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late
- pronunciation:
- leIt
- parts of speech:
- adjective, adverb
- features:
- Word History
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| inflections: |
later, latest |
| definition 1: |
happening after the usual or expected time.
- synonyms:
- behindhand, belated, overdue, tardy
- antonyms:
- early, prompt, punctual
- similar words:
- dilatory, slow, unpunctual
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| definition 2: |
of an advanced hour, esp. of the night or evening.
It's late so I think I'll go to bed.- antonyms:
- early
- similar words:
- waning
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| definition 3: |
recent.
Late developments in the case may diminish public support for the accused.- synonyms:
- new, recent
- antonyms:
- old
- similar words:
- brand-new, fresh, red-hot, up-to-date
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| definition 4: |
towards the end of a historical era or period of time.
- antonyms:
- early
- similar words:
- waning
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| definition 5: |
having recently died.
the late Mr. Smith- synonyms:
- dead, deceased
- antonyms:
- living
- similar words:
- defunct, expired, lifeless
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| related words: |
back, contemporary, evening |
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| part of speech: |
adverb |
| inflections: |
later, latest |
| definition 1: |
after the usual or expected time.
The bus is running late.- synonyms:
- belatedly, tardily
- antonyms:
- early, in time
- similar words:
- slowly
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| definition 2: |
at or to an advanced time or period.
Success came to him late.- antonyms:
- early
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| derivation: |
lateness (n.) |
Late comes from an early English word that meant "slow," "lazy," or "sluggish." It was first used in its present meaning ("not on time") in the 1200s. Today, it is possible to be late without being lazy.
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