Late Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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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 |
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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 |
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late |
Used when someone or something arrives after the expected or usual time. Commonly applied in everyday situations.
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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.
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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 |
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'late'
Main points about word origin
- 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'.
The word 'late' has origins in Old English 'læt'. It has been used to describe being behind in time since the 14th century. The adverb form 'late' to indicate after the expected or usual time has been in use since Middle English. Over time, the word has retained its meaning of delay and lateness in various contexts.
See also: latecomer, lately, lateness, later, latest, prelate.