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adj. lat·er, lat·est 1. a. Coming, occurring, continuing, or remaining after the correct, usual, or expected time; delayed: a late breakfast; a late meeting. See Synonyms at tardy. b. Occurring at an advanced hour, especially well into the evening or night: a late movie on television; the late flight to Denver. 2. 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. 3. a. Having begun or occurred just previous to the present time; recent: a late development. b. Contemporary; up-to-date: the latest fashion. 4. a. Having recently occupied a position or place: the company's late president gave the address. b. Dead, especially if only recently deceased: in memory of the late explorer. See Synonyms at dead. adv. later, latest Idiom: 1. After the expected, usual, or proper time: a train that arrived late; woke late and had to skip breakfast. 2. a. At or until an advanced hour: talked late into the evening. b. At or into an advanced period or stage: a project undertaken late in her career. 3. Recently: As late as last week he was still in town. of late Recently; lately: was feeling better of late. lateness n. |
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