I. ˈlāt adjective
( lat·er ; lat·est )
Etymology: Middle English, late, slow, from Old English læt; akin to Old High German laz slow, Old English lǣtan to let
Date: before 12th century
1.
a.
(1) : coming or remaining after the due, usual, or proper time
a late spring
(2) : of, relating to, or imposed because of tardiness
b. : of or relating to an advanced stage in point of time or development
the late Middle Ages
especially : far advanced toward the close of the day or night
late hours
2.
a. : living comparatively recently : now deceased — used of persons
the late John Doe
and often with reference to a specific relationship or status
his late wife
b. : being something or holding some position or relationship recently but not now
the late belligerents
c. : made, appearing, or happening just previous to the present time especially as the most recent of a succession
our late quarrel
Synonyms: see dead
• late·ness noun
II. adverb
( lat·er ; lat·est )
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : after the usual or proper time
got to work late
b. : at or to an advanced point of time
2. : not long ago : recently
a writer late of Chicago
•
- of late