late

late [lāt]

adj.

later or latter, latest or last [ME < OE læt, slow, sluggish, tardy, akin to Du laat, Ger lass, slow, lazy < IE * lēid < base * lēi-, to neglect, let go > LET¹, L lassus, weak]

1. happening, coming, etc. after the usual, proper, or expected time; tardy; behindhand

2.

a) happening, being, continuing, etc. far on in the day, night, year, etc. [the late afternoon, a late party]

b) happening, being, continuing, etc. toward the end; far advanced in a period, development, etc. [the late Middle Ages]

3. happening, appearing, etc. just previous to the present time; recent [a late news bulletin]

4. having been so recently but not now [the late allies]

5. having recently died

adv.

later, latest or last [ME < OE < base of the adj.]

1. after the usual, proper, or expected time; tardily

2. at or until an advanced time of the day, night, year, etc.

3. toward the end of a given period, development, etc.

4. recently; lately [as late as yesterday]

SYN.- DEAD

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late on

Chiefly Brit. at a late stage; near the end

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of late

lately

lateness

n.