adjective

late

late, delayed, deceased

The train was late.

The train was late.

He is in his late twenties.

He is in his late twenties.

Her late husband was a doctor.

Her late husband was a doctor.

be late ((for sth.)) to be delayed for (sth.). The train was late for its arrival.

in one's late ((number))s towards the end of a decade of one's age. He is in his late twenties.

the late ((sb.)) used to refer to a person who has died. Her late husband was a doctor.

Synonyms: tardy, delayed; Antonyms: early, punctual

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

Think of being 'late for a date'. It can also be used as an adverb without changing form (e.g., 'He arrived late').

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