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late

late

 
 
pronunciation:
leIt
parts of speech:
adjective, adverb
features:
Word Combinations (adjective), Word History
part of speech: adjective
inflections: later, latest
definition 1: happening or arriving after the usual or expected time.
The late arrival of the bus was due to an unusual amount of traffic.The late students were not allowed into the exam room.
synonyms:
behindhand, belated, overdue, tardy
antonyms:
early, prompt, punctual
similar words:
dilatory, slow, unpunctual
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
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
definition 4: towards the end of a historical era or period of time.
The French Revolution occurred in the late eighteenth century.
antonyms:
early
similar words:
waning
definition 5: having died, esp. recently.
Her late husband was a great supporter of our charity.
synonyms:
dead, deceased
antonyms:
living
similar words:
defunct, expired, lifeless
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
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
definition 2: at or to an advanced time or period.
Success came to him late in his life.
antonyms:
early
derivation: lateness (n.)
Word History
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.