lately
/ˈleɪtli/in the recent past; not long ago
I've been feeling tired lately.
The speaker is describing a recent change in their energy levels.
She hasn't called me lately.
The speaker notes the absence of recent communication from someone.
Used to describe actions or states that have occurred in the recent past, typically within days or weeks. Often used in present perfect continuous or simple past tense.
💡Pro Tip
Present perfect tense pairing
Use 'lately' with present perfect or present perfect continuous verbs (e.g., 'I've been working hard lately', 'She hasn't called lately'). Avoid using it with simple past tense alone unless combined with other time markers.
⚡Gold Rule
Tense agreement
Always pair 'lately' with present perfect or present perfect continuous tenses to emphasize recent ongoing actions or states.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'lately', meaning 'slowly' or 'late', derived from Old English 'læt' (late) + '-lice' (suffix forming adverbs). The sense 'recently' emerged in the 16th century.
📝Usage Notes
1. 'Lately' is typically used with present perfect or present perfect continuous tenses. 2. It often implies a contrast with an earlier time. 3. In American English, 'lately' is more common than 'of late'.