late

(lāt)

adjective lat·er, lat·est

1. Coming, occurring, or remaining after the correct, usual, or expected time; delayed: The bus is late. See Synonyms at tardy.
2. a. Beginning after or continuing past the usual or expected hour: a late breakfast; a late meeting.
   b. Occurring at an advanced hour, especially well into the evening or night: a late movie on television; the late flight to Denver.
3. Of or toward the end or more advanced part, as of a period or stage: the late 19th century; a later symptom of the disease.
4. a. Having begun or occurred just previous to the present time; recent: a late development.
   b. Contemporary; up-to-date: the latest fashion.
5. a. Having recently occupied a position or place: the company's late president gave the address.
   b. Dead, especially if only recently deceased: in memory of the late explorer.

adverb later later, latest latest

1. After the expected, usual, or proper time: a train that arrived late; woke late and had to skip breakfast.
2. a. At or until an advanced hour: talked late into the evening.
   b. At or into an advanced period or stage: a project undertaken late in her career.
3. Recently: As late as last week he was still in town.

Related Forms:

• lateˈness noun

Usage Note: It is technically correct to use a phrase such as our late treasurer to refer to a person who is still alive but who no longer holds the relevant post, but the use of former in this context will ensure that no embarrassing misunderstanding is created.