late
late definition
late (lāt)
adjective later lat′er or latter lat′·ter, latest lat′·est or last
- happening, coming, etc. after the usual, proper, or expected time; tardy; behindhand
- happening, being, continuing, etc. far on in the day, night, year, etc. the late afternoon, a late party
- happening, being, continuing, etc. toward the end; far advanced in a period, development, etc. the late Middle Ages
- happening, appearing, etc. just previous to the present time; recent a late news bulletin
- having been so recently but not now the late allies
- having recently died
Etymology: ME < OE læt, slow, sluggish, tardy, akin to Du laat, Ger lass, slow, lazy < IE *lēid < base *lēi-, to neglect, let go > let, L lassus, weak
Related Forms:
- lateness late′·ness noun
late Idioms
late on
Chiefly Brit. at a late stage; near the end
of late
lately
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