Background for later

later

/ˈleɪtə/ /ˈleɪtɚ/

Illustration later - Image 1

Illustration later - Image 2

adjective

Near the end of a period of time.

Examples :

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

Illustration later - Image 1

adjective

Specifically, near the end of the day.

Examples :

"It was getting late and I was tired."

Illustration later - Image 1

Illustration later - Image 2

Illustration later - Image 3

adjective

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

Examples :

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

time period essential

Illustration later - Image 1

Illustration later - Image 2

adjective

Not arriving until after an expected time.

Examples :

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

Illustration later - Image 1

adjective

Not having had an expected menstrual period.

Examples :

"Sarah was feeling unwell at school today; she was later. "

medicine physiology body sex essential

Illustration later - Image 1

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."

human person being essential

Illustration later - Image 1

adjective

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

Examples :

"the late administration"

position job government politics history time essential

Illustration later - Image 1

adjective

Recent — relative to the noun it modifies.

Examples :

"My later math homework was easier than the previous assignment. "

Illustration later - Image 1

adjective

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

Examples :

"The later-type star in the constellation was much dimmer than the sun. "

astronomy essential

Illustration later - Image 1

Illustration later - Image 2

adverb

After a deadline has passed, past a designated time.

Examples :

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

time future essential

Illustration later - Image 1

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 essential

Illustration later - Image 1

adverb

Not long ago; just now.

Examples :

"I saw my friend later this morning at the bus stop. "

time now essential

Illustration later - Image 1

Illustration later - Image 2

Illustration later - Image 3

adverb

Afterward in time (used with than when comparing with another time).

Examples :

"I arrived later than my roommate."

Illustration later - Image 1

Illustration later - Image 2

Illustration later - Image 3

adverb

At some unspecified time in the future.

Examples :

"I wanted to do it now, but I’ll have to do it later."

time future essential

Illustration later - Image 1

Illustration later - Image 2

interjection

See you later; goodbye.

Examples :

"Later, dude."

communication language time essential