late

Main Entry:: ¹late
Pronunciation:: \ˈlāt\
Function:: adjective
Inflected Form(s):: lat·er; lat·est
Etymology:: Middle English, late, slow, from Old English læt; akin to Old High German laz slow, Old English lǣtan to let
Date:: before 12th century

1 a (1): coming or remaining after the due, usual, or proper time <a late spring> (2): of, relating to, or imposed because of tardiness b: of or relating to an advanced stage in point of time or development <the late Middle Ages>; especially : far advanced toward the close of the day or night <late hours>2 a: living comparatively recently : now deceased —used of persons <the late John Doe> and often with reference to a specific relationship or status <his late wife> b: being something or holding some position or relationship recently but not now <the late belligerents> c: made, appearing, or happening just previous to the present time especially as the most recent of a succession <our late quarrel>

synonyms see dead

— late·ness noun

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