LATE Meaning and
Definition
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Late is an adjective that refers to something that occurs or happens after the expected or designated time. It implies a delay or shortfall in meeting an appointed or predetermined schedule. The term is commonly used to describe an action or event that occurs subsequent to when it should have taken place. It denotes the act of being tardy, overdue, or behind schedule.
When applied to a person, the term late signifies that the individual is deceased. It is a respectful way of referring to someone who has passed away. Additionally, late can also describe the end stage of a particular period, era, or historical development.
Late can also function as an adverb, primarily when used in conjunction with time. In this sense, it signifies happening or occurring after the established or expected hour. For example, "I arrived late to the meeting" denotes that the person arrived after the specified time.
Furthermore, the term may convey a sense of regret or remorse in certain contexts. It can be used to express a missed opportunity or the inability to accomplish something within the designated timeframe. In a broader sense, late can connote a sense of finality or irreversibility, emphasizing the point at which there is no longer any possibility of changing or rectifying a situation.
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• Coming after the usual time; tardy; long-delayed; deceased; departed; far in the day or night.
• After the usual time; in time not long past.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for LATE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for LATE
Etymology of LATE
The word late originated from the Old English word læt, which meant sluggish or slow. It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word lataz, which also carried the sense of sluggishness. In Old English, læt began to take on the meaning of occurring after the expected or usual time and gradually developed into the modern English word late.
Idioms with the word LATE
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of late
The idiom "of late" means recently or lately; referring to the period just before the present time. It suggests a specific timeframe within the recent past.
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late on
The idiom "late on" usually refers to later in a particular period of time or towards the end of a certain event. It implies that something happens or is done later than expected, possibly causing delay or compromising planned arrangements.
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too late
The idiom "too late" means that the opportunity, chance, or action that should have been taken has passed or is no longer possible. It indicates that the appropriate time has already elapsed, and further actions or efforts would be futile or irrelevant.
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late model
The idiom "late model" refers to a relatively recent or modern version of a vehicle, particularly a car. It implies that the vehicle is not outdated or old but rather one of the newer models available in the market.
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late of (some place)
The idiom "late of (some place)" refers to someone who was previously associated with or resided in a particular location but is no longer there. It indicates that the person has recently moved away, left, or is deceased.
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Late
The idiom "late" refers to someone or something that is no longer alive, existing, or present. It is especially used to respectfully refer to someone who has passed away.
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be too late
The idiom "be too late" means to have missed an opportunity or to take action after the optimal time has passed, thereby rendering it no longer possible or effective.
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It is never too late
The idiom "It is never too late" means that there is always an opportunity to take action or make a change, no matter how much time has passed. It suggests that there is no set timeline for accomplishing goals or pursuit of something, and one can start or accomplish something at any stage of their life or journey. It emphasizes the importance of taking action and not giving up due to the perception of time having run out.
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fashionably late
The idiom "fashionably late" refers to the act of intentionally arriving after an expected or planned time, typically in a social context, with the purpose of appearing stylish, sophisticated, or important. It suggests that the person arriving late is doing so in a deliberate and calculated manner to make a statement or leave an impression.
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day late and a dollar short
The idiom "day late and a dollar short" is used to describe someone who is always late and misses out on important opportunities or fails to take advantage of them due to their delay or lack of preparedness. It implies that the person's actions or decisions are consistently untimely or insufficient, resulting in them being at a disadvantage or unable to achieve what they desired.
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have an early/a late night
The idiom "have an early/a late night" refers to the time at which someone goes to bed or stays awake until. "Having an early night" means going to bed earlier than usual or getting to bed at a reasonable hour. On the other hand, "having a late night" implies staying up late or going to bed later than one typically does. These expressions are often used to discuss sleeping habits or describe how much someone is willing to stay awake.
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It is never too late to mend.
The idiom "It is never too late to mend" means that it is always possible to correct or improve a situation, regardless of how dire or hopeless it may seem. It suggests that one should not give up on making amends or fixing something, as there is always the opportunity for redemption or positive change.
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late bloomer
The idiom "late bloomer" refers to a person who develops or succeeds later in life compared to others. It typically describes individuals who achieve their full potential or showcase their talents after a period of delayed progress or maturity. These individuals may experience a slower start in their careers, relationships, or personal development but eventually excel beyond expectations in their respective fields.
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late in life
The idiom "late in life" refers to a period or stage that occurs or happens past the typical or expected age, usually referring to a significant event or change that takes place in the later years of a person's life. It implies that something is happening or being experienced when one is older than usual.
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keep late hours
The idiom "keep late hours" refers to the act of staying up or staying awake until very late at night. It describes someone who regularly goes to bed or sleeps at a later time than most people.
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stay up late
The idiom "stay up late" refers to the act of deliberately staying awake past one's usual bedtime or normal sleeping hours.
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It is never too late to learn.
The idiom "It is never too late to learn" means that it is always possible to acquire new knowledge or skills, regardless of one's age or prior experiences. It emphasizes the belief that it is never too late to start learning something new or to pursue one's educational goals. It encourages individuals to remain open-minded and continue seeking opportunities for personal growth and development throughout their lives.
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a day late and a dollar short
The idiom "a day late and a dollar short" refers to a situation where someone is behind and unprepared, typically missing an opportunity or failing to meet expectations due to their delay or lack of sufficient resources. It suggests that even if the person eventually arrives or provides what is needed, it is no longer useful or beneficial.
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better late than never
The idiom "better late than never" means that it is better to do something, even if it is delayed or overdue, than to not do it at all. It emphasizes the importance of completing a task or taking action, regardless of the delay, rather than not doing anything about it.
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late in the day
The idiom "late in the day" typically means that something happens or is done too late to have a significant impact or effect. It suggests that an action or decision is made after the optimal time or opportunity has passed.
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keep late (or regular) hours
The idiom "keep late (or regular) hours" refers to someone's regular pattern of staying awake and being active late into the night or early morning. It implies that the person tends to be up and active during late hours rather than following a traditional or regular schedule.
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late unpleasantness
The idiom "late unpleasantness" typically refers to a past event, situation, or conflict that was uncomfortable, unfortunate, or problematic. It is often used to allude to a specific event or era without explicitly specifying what it is.
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too little, too late
The idiom "too little, too late" refers to a situation where an action or effort is insufficient or inadequate to bring about the desired result or solution because it is implemented or offered after the opportunity to make a meaningful impact has passed.
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the late unpleasantness
The definition of the idiom "the late unpleasantness" refers to a euphemistic way of describing a past conflict, particularly a war or armed conflict, that was particularly intense, devastating, or deeply impactful. It is often used to avoid directly mentioning or dwelling on the specifics or the negativity associated with the event.
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have a late night
The idiom "have a late night" refers to staying awake or being active well into the night, typically beyond one's usual bedtime. It implies engaging in activities or events that extend past the usual hours of rest or sleep.
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late of…
Similar spelling words for LATE
- later,
- laity,
- laid,
- hate,
- lauth,
- Lawhead,
- date,
- lame,
- lathee,
- lake,
- latte,
- lady,
- lathe,
- Ladue,
- lahti,
- ate,
- laddie,
- lute,
- plate,
- Lattea,
- lace,
- -ate,
- slate,
- fate,
- layout,
- latta,
- mate,
- Ladd,
- lane,
- lad,
- laud,
- lat,
- layette,
- lath,
- rate,
- lade,
- gate.
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