English Profile

late · adjective

/leɪt/Full view

late (AFTER)

A1 happening or arriving after the planned, expected, usual or necessary time

Dictionary examples:

This train is always late.

You'll be late for school if you don't hurry up.

Sorry I'm late. I was caught in traffic.

We always have a late breakfast on Sunday mornings.

Learner example:

I hope I am not late. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

late (NEAR THE END)

A1 happening or being near the end of a period of time

Dictionary examples:

It was late at night.

I better get going - I had no idea it was so late!

I think Jody’s in her late twenties.

It was built in the late nineteenth century.

I expect him home late this afternoon.

Learner example:

I don't like the time the class finish[es]. It's too late! (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Portuguese)

late (DEAD)

C2 always before noun describes someone who has died, especially recently

Dictionary example:

She gave her late husband's clothes to charity.

Learner example:

It took me a while to find a person whom I regard as successful, the outcome is a friend of my late father. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Dutch)

at the latest

C2 used after a time or date to say that something could happen before but not after that time

Dictionary example:

She said to be there by 8 o'clock at the latest.

Learner example:

As far as employment is concerned, as people take their pensions at the age of 65 at the latest, new staff cannot be recruited. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

late · adverb

/leɪt/

late (AFTER)

A2 after the planned, expected, usual or necessary time

Dictionary examples:

Kathryn's just phoned to say she's working late this evening.

The snow came late this year.

Learner example:

The party finished late. (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

late (NEAR THE END)

B2 near the end of a period of time

Dictionary examples:

We talked late into the night.

As late as the 1980s they were still using horses on this farm.

Learner example:

Firstly, he usually starts working at eight in the morning and he keeps on writing and phoning till late in the evening. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)