late
/leɪt/
Dictionary
noun
- A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place late in the day or at night.
adjective
- Near the end of a period of time.
"It was late in the evening when we finally arrived."
- Specifically, near the end of the day.
"It was getting late and I was tired."
- (usually not comparable) Associated with the end of a period.
"Late Latin is less fully inflected than classical Latin."
- Not arriving until after an expected time.
"Even though we drove as fast as we could, we were still late."
- Not having had an expected menstrual period.
"I'm late, honey. Could you buy a test?"
- Deceased, dead: used particularly when speaking of the dead person's actions while alive. (Often used with "the"; see usage notes.)
"Her late husband had left her well provided for."
- Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not now; departed, or gone out of office.
"the late administration"
- Recent — relative to the noun it modifies.
- Of a star or class of stars, cooler than the sun.
adverb
- After a deadline has passed, past a designated time.
"We drove as fast as we could, but we still arrived late."
- Formerly, especially in the context of service in a military unit.
"Colonel Easterwood, late of the 34th Carbines, was a guest at the dinner party."
- Not long ago; just now.
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