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late
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- 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
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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.
The French Revolution occurred in the late eighteenth century.- antonyms:
- early
- similar words:
- waning
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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
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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 in his life.- 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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