easy
The bus was late today.
What does Late mean?
Late means after the time something was expected.
Dictionary definition
After the expected, usual, or planned time.
Example sentences
Late in a sentence
medium
We arrived late because the road was busy.
hard
A late answer can still be useful if it is clear and thoughtful.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice late in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Practice the meaning of Late
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does late mean?
The correct answer matches the meaning of late.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to late?
Delayed is close in meaning to late.
Practice 3
Which word is an opposite or strong contrast for late?
Early contrasts with late.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Late
Voice settings
Sounds like
LAYT
Listen, then repeat the word.
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
LAYT
Learn
WordLate.
Partadjective, adverb.
MeaningLate means after the time something was expected.
ExampleExample: The bus was late today.
Your turn
Say Late
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced late.
Synonyms
Words like Late
Antonyms
Opposite words
earlybefore the expected time
on timeat the planned time
Synonym practice
Want to practice late synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The late bus arrived after the bell," then compare close word choices. Practice late synonyms.
Word family
Late word family
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Late
Hint for students
Late means after the time something was expected.
Common mix-up
Late is not the same as early. Late means late means after the time something was expected.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: We arrived late because the road was busy. Clue words: arrived, because, road. Underline clue words that show why late fits instead of early. Now write one new sentence that shows late without using the word late. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show late?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "We arrived late because the road was busy." Why does late fit better than early?
Learning activities
Practice Late and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice LATE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice LATE
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with LATE
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words