Entry Word: late

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 not arriving, occurring, or settled at the due, usual, or proper time <I ran as fast as I could, but was still late for class>

Synonyms behind, behindhand, belated, delinquent, latish, overdue, tardy

Related Words delayed, detained, postponed; dilatory, laggard, slow, sluggish

Near Antonyms opportune, seasonable, timely; prompt, punctual

Antonyms early, premature

2 having been such at some previous time <the late councilman said he would never have allowed such behavior while he was in charge> — see former
3 no longer living <our late granduncle remembered us in his will> — see dead 1