adjective

late

late, delayed, deceased

Sorry I'm late.

Sorry I'm late.

We had a late lunch.

We had a late lunch.

It was the late 1990s.

It was the late 1990s.

Her late husband was a doctor.

Her late husband was a doctor.

((to be)) late ((for sth.)) to be not on time for something I was late for work.

late ((in sth.)) near the end of a period of time It happened late in the day.

the late ((sb.)) used to refer to someone who is dead The late king was very popular.

Synonyms: delayed, tardy; Antonyms: early, punctual

From Old English 'læt' meaning 'slow, sluggish'.

Picture a student running to school because the clock shows they are 'late' for class.

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