late

[leɪt]

late Definition

• 1. happening or arriving after the expected or usual time
• 2. no longer alive
• 3. belonging or taking place far on in a particular time or period

Using late: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "late" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I'm sorry I'm late for our meeting.

• Example

  The late actor was known for his incredible performances.

• Example

  In the late 19th century, many people immigrated to America.

• Example

  She is always late for class.

late Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for late

• delayed
• overdue
• deceased
• departed
• gone
• former
• previous
• last
• recent
• advanced
• far
• future
• behind schedule
• dead

Antonyms for late

• early
• alive
• living
• present
• current
• on time

Idioms Using late

• better late than never

  it is better to do something, even if it is late, than to not do it at all

  Example

  I know I'm late with my assignment, but better late than never, right?

• the late hour

  a time that is very late at night or early in the morning

  Example

  She was up until the late hours finishing her project.

• late in the day

  occurring too late to be useful or effective

  Example

  We realized late in the day that we had forgotten an important detail.

Phrases with late

• the late

  used to refer to someone who has recently died

  Example

  The late singer's music will always be remembered.

• late bloomer

  a person who develops later than others in a particular area or way

  Example

  He was a late bloomer in his career, but eventually became very successful.

• late at night

  during the late hours of the night

  Example

  She likes to work late at night when it's quiet.

Origins of late

from Old English 'lǣt', meaning 'slow, tardy'

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Summary: late in Brief

The term 'late' [leɪt] refers to things happening or arriving after the expected or usual time, as in 'I'm sorry I'm late for our meeting.' It can also refer to someone who is no longer alive, as in 'The late actor was known for his incredible performances.' Additionally, it can refer to belonging or taking place far on in a particular time or period, as in 'In the late 19th century, many people immigrated to America.' 'Late' extends into phrases like 'better late than never,' and idioms like 'late in the day,' denoting something that is too late to be useful or effective.