Word Explorer
Children's
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
Intermediate Dictionary
       

late

 
 
pronunciation:
leIt
parts of speech:
adjective, adverb
features:
Word History
part of speech: adjective
inflections: later, latest
definition 1: happening after the usual or expected time.
I was late because I missed the bus.
synonyms:
belated, overdue, tardy
antonyms:
early, prompt, punctual
similar words:
slow
definition 2: happening toward the end of the night or evening.
It's late, so I think I'll go to bed.
similar words:
waning
definition 3: happening not long ago; recent.
Did you hear the latest news?
synonyms:
new, recent
antonyms:
old
similar words:
brand-new, fresh, up-to-date
definition 4: having died.
We all loved the late Mr. Smith.
synonyms:
dead, deceased
antonyms:
living
similar words:
expired, lifeless
 
part of speech: adverb
inflections: later, latest
definition 1: after the usual or expected time.
The bus arrived late.
synonyms:
belatedly, tardily
antonyms:
early
similar words:
slowly
definition 2: at or to a time or period near the end.
Success came to him late in life.
antonyms:
early
derivation: lateness (n.)
Word History
Late comes from an early English word that meant "slow," "lazy," or "sluggish." It was first used in its present meaning ("not on time") in the 1200s. Today, it is possible to be late without being lazy.