Late: meaning, definitions and examples

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late

 

[ leɪt ]

Adjective / Adverb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

being behind in time

Coming or occurring after the expected or usual time. Synonyms: tardy, delayed, behind schedule.

Synonyms

behind schedule, delayed, tardy

Examples of usage

  • He arrived late for the meeting.
  • The train was running late.
Context #2 | Adverb

after the expected or usual time

After the expected, usual, or proper time. Synonyms: belatedly, tardily.

Synonyms

belatedly, tardily

Examples of usage

  • She finished the project late.
  • He stayed up late studying for the exam.
Context #3 | Noun

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

lateness, tardiness

Examples of usage

  • The student was penalized for his late submission.
  • We apologize for the late delivery.

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

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At #502 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.