Late: meaning, definitions and examples
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late
[leɪt ]
Definitions
being behind in time
Coming or occurring after the expected or usual time. Synonyms: tardy, delayed, behind schedule.
Synonyms
behind schedule, delayed, tardy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| late |
Use this word in general situations to indicate someone or something is not on time.
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| tardy |
Use this word, often in an academic or formal context, to describe someone who is regularly late, sometimes with a negative connotation.
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| delayed |
Use this word to refer to a situation where an event or action is postponed to a later time.
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| behind schedule |
Use this phrase in formal or professional settings to indicate a project or task is not progressing as planned.
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Examples of usage
- He arrived late for the meeting.
- The train was running late.
after the expected or usual time
After the expected, usual, or proper time. Synonyms: belatedly, tardily.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| late |
Used when someone or something arrives after the expected or usual time. Commonly applied in everyday situations.
|
| belatedly |
Used when something is done after the expected time, often way after the appropriate or suitable period. It carries a slight negative connotation of being overdue.
|
| tardily |
Often used in formal or written English. It implies something or someone has acted slowly or responded late, typically in an official or procedural context. It has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She finished the project late.
- He stayed up late studying for the exam.
the period of time following the expected, usual, or proper time
The period of time following the expected, usual, or proper time. Synonyms: lateness, tardiness.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| late |
This word is typically used to describe someone or something that arrives after the expected or planned time.
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| lateness |
This noun is used to refer to the state or quality of being late. It often has a formal or official undertone.
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| tardiness |
This word can be used similarly to 'lateness' but usually carries a more negative connotation, indicating habitual or repeated instances of being late.
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Examples of usage
- The student was penalized for his late submission.
- We apologize for the late delivery.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old English 'læt', which means 'slow' or 'delayed'.
- In Latin, 'latus' means 'broad' or 'stretched out', hinting at the sense of time being extended.
- In Middle English, 'late' referred to being 'recent' as well as 'after the scheduled time'.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, punctuality is considered a virtue, while being 'late' can be perceived as disrespectful.
- The phrase 'Fashionably late' suggests that being late can sometimes be stylish or intentional.
- In Japanese culture, being late can be seen as losing face and shows lack of respect for others' time.
Psychology
- Research shows that chronic tardiness can be linked to anxiety or issues with time management.
- People often misjudge how long tasks will take, leading them to arrive late, a phenomenon known as 'planning fallacy'.
- The feeling of being rushed or 'late' can increase stress levels, impacting overall mental well-being.
Literature
- In literature, themes of lateness often explore the idea of missed opportunities or regret.
- Famous works like Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing' depict characters arriving late to important events, causing chaos.
- Poets often use 'late' as a metaphor for reflection on life and the passage of time.
Science
- Chronobiology studies how the body's internal clock affects sleep patterns, and being 'late' in sleep can disrupt health.
- Astronomy uses the concept of 'light travel time', explaining how we see stars as they were in the past, relating to 'lateness' in perception of time.
- In biology, some species are termed 'late bloomers', meaning they take longer to develop or reproduce, affecting ecosystem dynamics.
Translations
Translations of the word "late" in other languages:
🇵🇹 atrasado
🇮🇳 देर से
🇩🇪 spät
🇮🇩 terlambat
🇺🇦 пізній
🇵🇱 spóźniony
🇯🇵 遅い (おそい)
🇫🇷 en retard
🇪🇸 tarde
🇹🇷 geç
🇰🇷 늦은
🇸🇦 متأخر
🇨🇿 pozdě
🇸🇰 neskoro
🇨🇳 迟到 (chídào)
🇸🇮 pozen
🇮🇸 seinn
🇰🇿 кеш
🇬🇪 გვიან
🇦🇿 gec
🇲🇽 tarde