late
layt
Late (adj) means arriving or happening after the expected or usual time. Example: “The train was twenty minutes late.”
adj
1
Arriving or happening after the expected or usual time.
"The train was twenty minutes late."
"He's always late for meetings."
"Her essay was a day late, so the teacher took off some marks."
2
Near the end of a period of time.
"They arrived in the late afternoon."
"The roses bloom in late summer and last until the first frost."
"He is in his late forties and still plays football every weekend."
3
Used before a name to refer respectfully to someone who has died.
"The late Queen was known for her sense of duty."
"My late grandfather loved telling stories about his years at sea."
"We planted the tree in memory of the late headmaster."
adv
1
After the expected or usual time.
"She stayed up late studying for the exam."
"The shop opens early but closes late on Fridays."
"We got home late because the film ran longer than we thought."
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.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
run late
late at night
the late great...
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Word forms
- Plural
- lates
- Comparative
- later
- Superlative
- latest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The train was twenty minutes _____.
Etymology
From Old English læt, meaning "slow" or "sluggish" — related to the verb "let".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for late
See all rhymes for late →Frequently asked questions
What does “late” mean?
The word “late” means arriving or happening after the expected or usual time. In plain terms, not on time, or near the end of something — or, before a name, a polite way to say someone has died.
How do you pronounce “late”?
“Late” is pronounced layt (/leɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “late” in a sentence?
Here is “late” used in a sentence: “The train was twenty minutes late.”
What is another word for “late”?
Words with a similar meaning to “late” include tardy.
What is the opposite of “late”?
The opposite of “late” — its antonyms — are early, mid and middle.
What part of speech is “late”?
Depending on how it is used, “late” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Where does the word “late” come from?
The word “late” comes from Old English. From Old English læt, meaning "slow" or "sluggish" — related to the verb "let".
Is “late” a common word?
“Late” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the opposite of late?
The main opposites of 'late' are 'early,' meaning before the expected time, and 'on time' or 'punctual,' meaning exactly when expected. If a train arrives late it comes after its scheduled time; if it is early or punctual, it arrives before or right on schedule.
What is the difference between late and delayed?
'Late' simply means arriving or happening after the expected time, whatever the reason. 'Delayed' points to a cause — something has been held up or postponed, pushing it back. A person can be late through their own choice, but a flight is usually delayed by weather, traffic, or technical problems.
Is being late a bad thing?
In most cultures being late is seen as negative, since it can seem disrespectful of other people's time and disrupt schedules. That said, lateness is not always serious, and expectations vary between cultures and situations. Being a few minutes late to a casual meeting matters far less than missing a flight.
Does 'late' always refer to time of arrival?
The most common meaning is arriving or happening after the expected time. But 'late' has other senses: it can mean near the end of a period, as in 'late afternoon,' or recently deceased, as in 'the late Mr. Jones.' Context makes clear which meaning is intended.
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