What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
belated
Example
I apologize for my belated response to your email. [belated: adjective]
Example
She sent a belated birthday card to her friend. [belated: adjective]
late
Example
I'm sorry I'm late for the meeting. [late: adjective]
Example
He passed away in his late 80s. [late: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Late is more commonly used than belated in everyday language. Late is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while belated is less common and is often used in specific situations, such as belated greetings or wishes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between belated and late?
While belated can have a slightly more formal or polite connotation, late is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
