late
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1late
adjective \ˈlāt\lat·erlat·est
Definition of LATE
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>
— late·ness noun
See Examples of LATE
- It happened in late spring.
- a word first recorded in the late 17th century
- We had a late spring this year.
- Hurry up or we'll be late for school.
- Their warning was too late to help him.
- I've always been a late riser.
- He made a donation to the school in memory of his late wife.
Origin of LATE
Middle English, late, slow, from Old English læt; akin to Old High German laz slow, Old English lǣtan to let
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to LATE
- Synonyms
- behind, behindhand, belated, delinquent, latish, overdue, tardy
- Antonyms
- early, inopportune, precocious, premature, unseasonable, untimely
See Synonym Discussion at dead
2late
adverblat·erlat·est
Definition of LATE
1
a : after the usual or proper time <got to work late> b : at or to an advanced point of time
2
: not long ago : recently <a writer late of Chicago>
— of late
: in the period shortly or immediately preceding : recently <has been sick of late>
Examples of LATE
- Late in the year he became ill.
- It rained late in the day.
- Late in his career he moved to the city.
- a word first recorded late in the 17th century
- They were trailing by a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
- The package should be arriving late next week.
- He sent in his job application late.
- They arrived too late for breakfast.
- I like getting up late.
- The package arrived late, but better late than never!
First Known Use of LATE
before 12th century
Related to LATE
- Synonyms
- belatedly, delinquently, tardily
- Antonyms
- beforehand, early, inopportunely, precociously, prematurely, unseasonably
Learn More About LATE
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up late? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
