late

/leɪt/

adjective★Beginner— happening after the expected or usual time

general

happening after the expected or usual time

The train was late due to mechanical issues.

The train arrived after its scheduled time.

Don't stay up too late; you have work tomorrow.

Avoid being awake too far into the night.

💡

Often used to describe delays or tardiness in time-sensitive situations.

general

of or relating to a period of time in the past

Late medieval history is fascinating.

The period of history just before the modern era is interesting.

She received a late birthday card.

The birthday card arrived after her birthday.

💡

Used to describe something that is no longer current or recent.

Collocations

late at nightfar into the nightlate arrivalsomeone or something that arrives after the expected timelate paymenta payment made after the due date

it is better to do something late than not at all

someone who achieves success or develops later than others

Use 'late' to describe delays or things that happen after the expected time.

'Late' is primarily an adjective, but it can also function as an adverb in certain contexts, such as 'I arrived late.'

From Middle English 'lat', from Old English 'læt', meaning 'slow, sluggish, or tardy'.

Can be used as an adjective to describe time-related delays or as an adverb to indicate something happening after the expected time.

late

after the expected time

root

English Dictionary