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late

/leɪt/

noun

Meaning

  • A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place late in the day or at night.

adjective

Meaning

  • Near the end of a period of time.

    "It was late in the evening when we finally arrived."

  • Specifically, near the end of the day.

    "It was getting late and I was tired."

  • (usually not comparable) Associated with the end of a period.

    "Late Latin is less fully inflected than classical Latin."

  • Not arriving until after an expected time.

    "Even though we drove as fast as we could, we were still late."

  • Not having had an expected menstrual period.

    "I'm late, honey. Could you buy a test?"

  • Deceased, dead: used particularly when speaking of the dead person's actions while alive. (Often used with "the"; see usage notes.)

    "Her late husband had left her well provided for."

  • Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not now; departed, or gone out of office.

    "the late administration"

  • Recent — relative to the noun it modifies.

  • Of a star or class of stars, cooler than the sun.

adverb

Meaning

  • After a deadline has passed, past a designated time.

    "We drove as fast as we could, but we still arrived late."

  • Formerly, especially in the context of service in a military unit.

    "Colonel Easterwood, late of the 34th Carbines, was a guest at the dinner party."

  • Not long ago; just now.

Synonyms

erenow,
freshly,
belatedly