Simple meaning
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
easy
The bus was late today.
medium
We arrived late because the road was busy.
hard
A late answer can still be useful if it is clear and thoughtful.
Synonyms
Words like Late
delayedUse when something happens later than planned.
tardyUse for arriving late.
Antonyms
Opposite words
earlyUse when something happens before the expected time.
on timeUse when something happens at the planned time.
Word family
Late word family
Base word
late
adjective
later
More late or after another time.
adjective
latest
Most recent or most late.
adverb
lately
Recently.
Related words
Explore related words
Quick practice
Try Late
Practice 1
Which word is an antonym of late?
Early is an opposite because it means before the expected time.
Practice this skill
Practice vocabulary in WordHive
Use the dictionary to understand Late, then move into short activities matched to the skills on this page.
Learning paths
- Synonym Search for word choice.
- Context Clue Challenge for sentence clues.
- Buzz Between for homophones and listening.
- Hive Builder for roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
- Define the Word Hive for word meanings.