Pronunciation

/leɪt/

Definitions

• Adjective: Occurring, arriving, or done after the scheduled, usual, or expected time; not early. For example: “She was late for work because of the traffic.”
  • Also used to describe something that happens in the latter part of a period or process: “The late summer sun was still warm.”
• Noun: The later part of a specified day, especially the evening. For example: “We’ll have dinner at a late hour tonight.”
• Adverb: After the expected, proper, or usual time. For example: “She slept late this morning.”

Phrases

• “Better late than never” implies it’s better to do something at a later time than not do it at all.
• “Fashionably late” describes the practice of arriving at an event slightly later than the designated start time, often seen as socially acceptable or even desirable.
• “Late bloomer” refers to someone who develops skills or reaches maturity later than others.

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “Despite setting his alarm, he woke up late and missed the train.”
• Noun: “I don’t usually eat a meal this late; it disrupts my sleep schedule.”
• Adverb: “The plane departed late due to inclement weather conditions.”

Synonyms

• tardy (adj.)
• behind schedule (adj.)
• delayed (adj.)
• overdue (adj.)
• belated (adj.)
• in the evening (noun)
• towards the end (noun)