of late
I haven't seen her much of late.
I haven't seen her much recently.
in recent times; lately
Of late, the company has faced several challenges.
Recently, the company has faced several challenges.
He has been feeling tired of late.
He has been feeling tired lately.
Used in formal or literary contexts; avoids the colloquial 'lately' in some registers.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal alternative
Use 'of late' in essays, reports, or formal emails to sound more polished. Replace with 'lately' or 'recently' in casual contexts.
Gold Rule
Avoid overuse
Do not use 'of late' in every sentence. Reserve it for emphasis or when a formal tone is required.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'of' (from) + 'late' (late in time). The phrase dates back to the 14th century, originally meaning 'in the later part of a period.'
Usage Notes
Primarily used in formal writing or speech. Less common in casual conversation where 'lately' or 'recently' are preferred. Avoid redundancy with 'very' or 'quite.'