happening or arriving after the expected or usual time, no longer alive, belonging or taking place far on in a particular time or period

better late than never, the late hour, late in the day

the late, late bloomer, late at night

Formal and Informal Expressions of late

In different contexts, you can replace 'late' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'delayed, overdue' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'behind schedule, running late' is a commonplace synonym.

late: Explore its Definition & Usage

late Definition

1happening or arriving after the expected or usual time
2no longer alive
3belonging 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

Antonyms for late

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.