late
word
/ˈɫeɪt/
LAYT
/lˈeɪt/
LAYT
Definition
Happening after the expected or usual time; not on time.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used as an adjective and adverb. Often collocates with 'be late', 'arrive late', 'late at night'. Can describe people, events, or times. Avoid confusing it with 'recent' or 'new'. Informal uses include 'better late than never'.
Spanish: tardePortuguese (BR): tardePortuguese (PT): tardeChinese (Simplified): 迟到的Chinese (Traditional): 遲到的Hindi: देर सेArabic: متأخرBengali: দেরি - বিলম্বRussian: поздно - опоздавшийJapanese: 遅い - 遅れてVietnamese: muộnKorean: 늦은 - 늦게Turkish: geç - geç kalanUrdu: دیرIndonesian: terlambat
Example Sentences
It's getting late, we should head home.
natural
Better late than never, right?
natural
He was late for school today.
basic
I don’t want to be late for the meeting.
basic
The train arrived late yesterday.
basic
Sorry I'm late, the traffic was awful.
natural