lat·er
(lā́tər)
adjective
adverb
- Subsequently; afterward. Often used with on: She arrived on the ferry, and he came later. He later felt that he was wrong. Later on, we watched a movie.
interj.
- Informal Used to express goodbye.
late
(lāt)
[Middle English, from Old English læt.]
adjective: lat·er, lat·est.
- Coming, occurring, or remaining after the correct, usual, or expected time; delayed: The bus is late. See synonyms at tardy
- Beginning after or continuing past the usual or expected hour: a late breakfast; a late meeting.
- Occurring at an advanced hour, especially well into the evening or night: a late movie on television; the late flight to Denver.
- Of or toward the end or more advanced part, as of a period or stage: the late 19th century; a later symptom of the disease.
- Having begun or occurred just previous to the present time; recent: a late development.
- Contemporary; up-to-date: the latest fashion.
- Having recently occupied a position or place: the company's late president gave the address.
- Dead, especially if only recently deceased: in memory of the late explorer.
adverb: later, latest.
- After the expected, usual, or proper time: a train that arrived late; woke late and had to skip breakfast.
- At or until an advanced hour: talked late into the evening.
- At or into an advanced period or stage: a project undertaken late in her career.
- Recently: As late as last week he was still in town.
idioms
- of late
- Recently; lately: was feeling better of late.
derivatives
- laténess
- noun
usage note
Usage Note: It is technically correct to use a phrase such as our late treasurer to refer to a person who is still alive but who no longer holds the relevant post, but the use of former in this context will ensure that no embarrassing misunderstanding is created.
