Background for late

late

/leɪt/

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noun

A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place late in the day or at night.

Examples :

"The factory workers' late started at 11:00 pm. "

job time work essential

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adjective

Near the end of a period of time.

Examples :

"It was late in the evening when we finally arrived."

time period essential

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adjective

Specifically, near the end of the day.

Examples :

"It was getting late and I was tired."

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adjective

(usually not comparable) Associated with the end of a period.

Examples :

"Late Latin is less fully inflected than classical Latin."

time period essential

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adjective

Not arriving until after an expected time.

Examples :

"Even though we drove as fast as we could, we were still late."

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adjective

Not having had an expected menstrual period.

Examples :

"Sarah is late this month; she hasn't had her period yet. "

medicine body physiology sex essential

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adjective

Deceased, dead: used particularly when speaking of the dead person's actions while alive. (Often used with "the"; see usage notes.)

Examples :

"Her late husband had left her well provided for."

person past family essential

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adjective

Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not now; departed, or gone out of office.

Examples :

"the late administration"

time past position family essential

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adjective

Recent — relative to the noun it modifies.

Examples :

"The teacher gave us a late assignment, but it was still accepted. "

time now past essential

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adjective

Of a star or class of stars, cooler than the sun.

Examples :

"The late-type stars in the constellation are cooler than our sun. "

astronomy essential

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adverb

After a deadline has passed, past a designated time.

Examples :

"We drove as fast as we could, but we still arrived late."

time business essential

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adverb

Formerly, especially in the context of service in a military unit.

Examples :

"Colonel Easterwood, late of the 34th Carbines, was a guest at the dinner party."

military history war essential

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adverb

Not long ago; just now.

Examples :

"I saw my friend late this afternoon. "

time now essential