late
UK: leɪt | US: leɪt
adj. occurring or arriving after the expected or usual time
adj. near the end of a period of time (e.g., late evening)
adj. no longer alive (e.g., the late president)
adv. after the expected or proper time
late = lat<slow, delayed> + e (silent)
- lat (from Old English læt, meaning "slow, sluggish, tardy")
- e (silent letter, a common feature in Modern English spelling)
Etymology Origin:
The word "late" traces back to Old English læt, which originally meant "slow" or "sluggish." Over time, its meaning shifted to emphasize temporal delay ("after the expected time") and later expanded to describe proximity to the end of a period (e.g., "late afternoon"). The sense of "deceased" (e.g., "the late Mr. Smith") emerged in the 15th century, metaphorically implying someone who has "arrived" at death.
She was late for the meeting because of traffic.
The flowers bloomed in late spring.
The late author’s works are still celebrated today.
He apologized for replying to the email so late.
They stayed up late to finish the project.