late */*/*/

I UK [leɪt] / US adjective
Word forms "late":
adjective late comparative later superlative latest

1) [not usually before noun] if you are late, you arrive somewhere after the correct or usual time

She phoned to say she'd be late.

late for:

He was ten minutes late for school.

too late:

We climbed the hill to watch the sunset, but we were too late.

a) used about something that happens after the correct or usual time

There is a penalty for late registration.

late with:

They're always late with their payments.

b) used about something that continues after the time that it usually ends

We got caught in a late meeting and almost missed the start of the film.

2) [only before noun] near the end of a period of time such as a day, month, or season

the late 18th century

These bulbs bloom in late spring.

a girl in her late teens

a) near the end of an evening or night

If it weren't so late I would give Donna a call.

b) done near the end of someone's life or career

The symphony is a late work.

a late Picasso

3) [only before noun] happening at a time just before the present

a late news development

4) [only before noun] used for talking about someone who has died, especially recently

my late aunt

•

- late in the day

- late of

II UK [leɪt] / US adverb
Word forms "late":
comparative later superlative latest

1) after the correct or usual time

The trains are running 15 minutes late.

The trees are flowering late this year.

2)

a) near the end of a period of time such as a day, month, season, or someone's life or career

Stop by late this afternoon.

late in:

We plan to visit late in July.

late in life:

He didn't receive the recognition he deserved until late in life.

b) near the end of an evening or night

We won't arrive home until late, so don't wait up for us.

•

- as late as

- better late than never

- of late