adjective later lat′er or latter lat′·ter, latest lat′·est or last

1. happening, coming, etc. after the usual, proper, or expected time; tardy; behindhand
2. 1. happening, being, continuing, etc. far on in the day, night, year, etc. the late afternoon, a late party
   2. happening, being, continuing, etc. toward the end; far advanced in a period, development, etc. the late Middle Ages
3. happening, appearing, etc. just previous to the present time; recent a late news bulletin
4. having been so recently but not now the late allies
5. 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

adverb later lat′er, latest lat′·est or last

1. after the usual, proper, or expected time; tardily
2. at or until an advanced time of the day, night, year, etc.
3. toward the end of a given period, development, etc.
4. recently; lately as late as yesterday

Etymology: ME < OE < base of the adj.