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Lately: meaning, definitions and examples

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lately

 

[ˈleɪtli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in the recent past

Recently; not long ago. Lately is usually used to refer to events that have occurred in the near past, but not necessarily today or yesterday. It is often used in casual conversation to indicate a general timeframe without specific details.

Synonyms

in recent times, of late, recently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lately

This word is used to describe actions or events that have happened in the recent past, usually within the last few weeks or months.

  • Lately, I've been feeling very tired
  • Have you seen any good movies lately?
recently

This word is used to discuss something that occurred a short time ago, generally within the last few weeks or months.

  • Recently, I started a new job
  • Have you read any good books recently?
of late

This phrase is more formal and is used to refer to recent events or situations, often within the last few weeks or months. It might sound a bit old-fashioned.

  • Of late, she has been very quiet
  • The weather has been unpredictable of late
in recent times

This phrase is used to talk about events or changes that have occurred within a broader recent period, which could span the last few years or a shorter time frame.

  • In recent times, technology has advanced rapidly
  • In recent times, many businesses have shifted to remote work

Examples of usage

  • I haven't seen her lately.
  • She has been feeling tired lately.
  • We've been going out to eat a lot lately.
  • I've been reading a lot of books lately.
  • Have you watched any good movies lately?

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English word 'læt,' which means 'slow' or 'tardy.'
  • Originally, 'lately' referred to the notion of time being slow, implying recent events were still close in time.
  • In the 16th century, it became more closely associated with recent happenings rather than just time-related slowness.

Language & Usage

  • 'Lately' is often used with the present perfect tense to indicate something has been happening until now.
  • 'Of late' is a more formal synonym for 'lately' that is more commonly found in literature.
  • In casual conversation, people often ask 'What have you been up to lately?' to inquire about recent events in someone's life.

Cultural References

  • Musicians and songwriters frequently use 'lately' in lyrics to express feelings of nostalgia or change over time.
  • The phrase 'lately, I've been thinking…' has become a common and sentimental opening in various artistic expressions, particularly in pop culture.
  • In movies and TV shows, characters often reflect on their lives by saying what has been happening lately, adding emotional depth to scenes.

Psychology

  • The concept of recent experiences influences how people perceive their lives and relationships, often affecting their mood positively or negatively.
  • Research shows that when individuals reflect on their day-to-day experiences ('lately'), it can help improve their overall well-being.
  • Gratitude journals usually encourage noting what has happened lately, emphasizing positive experiences and enhancing happiness.

Literature

  • Many classic literature works explore themes of change, often alluded to with the term 'lately,' indicating shifts in character or setting.
  • William Shakespeare famously used similar words in his plays to evoke a sense of time passing and change in human experiences.
  • Poems frequently incorporate 'lately' to express the fleeting nature of time and the emotions linked to recent events.

Translations

Translations of the word "lately" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recentemente

🇮🇳 हाल ही में (haal hi mein)

🇩🇪 kürzlich

🇮🇩 baru-baru ini

🇺🇦 недавно

🇵🇱 ostatnio

🇯🇵 最近 (さいきん, saikin)

🇫🇷 récemment

🇪🇸 recientemente

🇹🇷 son zamanlarda

🇰🇷 최근에 (choegeun-e)

🇸🇦 مؤخراً (mu'akhkharan)

🇨🇿 nedávno

🇸🇰 nedávno

🇨🇳 最近 (zuìjìn)

🇸🇮 nedavno

🇮🇸 nýlega

🇰🇿 жақында

🇬🇪 ბოლო დროს (bolo dros)

🇦🇿 son vaxtlar

🇲🇽 recientemente

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,397, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.