lately
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lately, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Recently; in the period up to now.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lately
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From late plus -ly.
Full origin of lately →Frequently asked questions
What does “lately” mean?
The word “lately” means recently; in the period up to now. In plain terms, a way of saying "in recent times" or "not long ago".
How do you pronounce “lately”?
“Lately” is pronounced LAYT-lee (/ˈleɪt.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “lately” in a sentence?
Here is “lately” used in a sentence: “Have you seen him lately?”
What is another word for “lately”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lately” include freshly.
What part of speech is “lately”?
“Lately” is an adverb.
Is “lately” a common word?
“Lately” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between lately and recently?
Both point to the near past, but lately usually describes an ongoing stretch of time up to now, often paired with a continuing situation, as in 'I've been tired lately.' Recently can mark a single past moment, as in 'I saw her recently.' Lately fits patterns and habits; recently fits isolated events.
What is an example of lately in a sentence?
Lately typically appears with the present perfect tense to describe recent, continuing conditions. For example: 'She's been working late lately,' or 'Lately, I've noticed the mornings getting colder.' It can also stand at the start or end of a clause, signalling that something has changed or been true across the recent period leading up to the present.
Is lately formal or informal?
Lately is neutral and works comfortably in both everyday conversation and most writing. It is slightly more casual than phrases like 'in recent times' or 'of late,' which suit formal prose. For ordinary speech, letters, and general writing, lately is a natural, unremarkable choice that no one would consider slang.