late — happening or arriving after the expected or usual time
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: happening or arriving after the expected or usual time
Pronunciation (IPA): /leɪt/
Example Sentences
- My alarm clock is broken, so I'm always fashionably late!
- Better late than never, but never late is better.
- I stayed up late watching Netflix and now I'm a zombie.
late
ADJECTIVE[/leɪt/]
happening or arriving after the expected or usual time

A late student quietly enters the classroom after lessons have begun

Too late to make the gate, now I wait!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'late' derives from Old English 'læt', which originally meant 'slow' or 'sluggish'. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe something occurring after an expected or scheduled time.
Breakdown
læt (slow, sluggish) → late, with the semantic shift reflecting the connection between slowness and tardy arrival.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My alarm clock is broken, so I'm always fashionably late!”
“Better late than never, but never late is better.”
“I stayed up late watching Netflix and now I'm a zombie.”
“The late train caused me to miss my job interview.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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