Belated: meaning, definitions and examples

When something happens after the expected or usual time, such as a greeting or celebration.

• I sent her a belated birthday card.
• Please accept my belated congratulations.

When someone or something arrives or happens after the scheduled time.

• He was late for the meeting.
• The bus arrived late.

When something is postponed or slowed down; often used in transportation or communications.

• The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
• The project has been delayed by a few weeks.

When someone is late, especially in a habitual or repeatable manner; often used in formal contexts such as schools or workplaces and can have a slightly negative connotation.

• She has been tardy to class three times this week.
• Tardy employees may face penalties.

Typically used to describe something that is happening later than it should have, often used for greetings, wishes, or acknowledgments that come after the expected time.

• I sent her a belated birthday card.
• Please accept my belated congratulations on your promotion.

Refers to something or someone not arriving or happening at the expected time. Can have a negative connotation if it implies a lack of punctuality.

• He arrived late to the meeting.
• The train is running late today.

Used when something is intentionally or unintentionally set to happen later than planned, can be neutral or carry a slightly negative connotation.

• Our flight was delayed due to bad weather.
• The project has been delayed until next month.

Often used in formal or academic settings to describe someone who is not punctual. It usually carries a more negative connotation, implying repeated lateness.

• Students are marked tardy if they arrive after the bell rings.
• He was reprimanded for his tardy attendance.