Definition of late
later
;latest
1a (1) : coming or remaining after the due, usual, or proper time a late spring was late for class (2) : of, relating to, or imposed because of tardiness had to pay a late feeb (1) : of or relating to an advanced stage in point of time or development : occurring near the end of a period of time or series the late Middle Ages (2) : far advanced toward the close of the day or night late hours
2a : living comparatively recently : now deceased —used of persons the late John Doe and often with reference to a specific relationship or status his late wifeb : being something or holding some position or relationship recently but not now the late belligerentsc : made, appearing, or happening just previous to the present time especially as the most recent of a succession our late quarrel
lateness
nounExplore Merriam-Webster
Examples of late in a Sentence
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 and Etymology 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
Synonym Discussion of late
Examples of late in a Sentence
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!
Origin and Etymology of late
see 1late
First Known Use: before 12th century
LATE Defined for English Language Learners
late
Definition of late for English Language Learners
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: at or near the end of a period of time or a process, activity, series, etc.
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: after the usual or expected time
LATE Defined for Kids
Definition of late for Students
later
;latest
1 : coming or occurring after the usual or proper time a late spring
2 : coming or occurring toward the end He married in his late twenties.
3 : having died or recently left a certain position the late president
4 : recent 2 a late discovery
lateness
noun Do you realize the lateness of the hour?Learn More about late
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See words that rhyme with late Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for late Spanish Central: Translation of late Nglish: Translation of late for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of late for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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