adj
belated
bih-LAY-tihd
Belated (adj) means happening later than it should have, or after the expected or proper time. Example: “She sent a belated birthday card two weeks after the date.”
adj
1
Happening later than it should have, or after the expected or proper time.
"She sent a belated birthday card two weeks after the date."
"He offered a belated apology for missing the meeting."
"England manager Roy Hodgson instantly restored Rooney after a two-match suspension in place of Andy Carroll with orders to make a belated mark on the campaign after sitting out the draw against France and victory against Sweden."
— Phil McNulty, England 1-0 Ukraine (2012)
How to use belated
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLate — arriving or happening after it was supposed to.
Common pairings
belated birthday wishes
a belated apology
belated recognition
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more belated
- Superlative
- most belated
Fill the gap
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She sent a _____ birthday card two weeks after the date.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for belated
See all rhymes for belated →Frequently asked questions
What does “belated” mean?
The word “belated” means happening later than it should have, or after the expected or proper time. In plain terms, late — arriving or happening after it was supposed to.
How do you pronounce “belated”?
“Belated” is pronounced bih-LAY-tihd (/bɪˈleɪtɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “belated” in a sentence?
Here is “belated” used in a sentence: “She sent a belated birthday card two weeks after the date.”
What part of speech is “belated”?
“Belated” is an adjective.
