adj
late
layt
adj
1
Arriving or happening after the expected or usual time.
"The train was twenty minutes late."
"He's always late for meetings."
2
Near the end of a period of time.
"They arrived in the late afternoon."
3
Used before a name to refer respectfully to someone who has died.
"The late Queen was known for her sense of duty."
adv
1
After the expected or usual time.
"She stayed up late studying for the exam."
How to Use Late
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot on time, or near the end of something — or, before a name, a polite way to say someone has died.
Common mistake
When calling someone "the late [Name]", always use an article or possessive ("the late John Smith", "her late husband") — it doesn't work alone before the name.
Common pairings
run late
late at night
the late great...
Word Forms
later comparative, later comparative, lates plural, latest superlative, latest superlative
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The train was twenty minutes _____.
Etymology
From Old English læt, meaning "slow" or "sluggish" — related to the verb "let".