later

/ˈleɪtə//ˈleɪtɚ/

adjective

  1. 1

    Near the end of a period of time.

    It was late in the evening when we finally arrived.
  2. 2

    Specifically, near the end of the day.

    It was getting late and I was tired.
  3. 3

    (usually not comparable) Associated with the end of a period.

    Late Latin is less fully inflected than classical Latin.
  4. 4

    Not arriving until after an expected time.

    Even though we drove as fast as we could, we were still late.
  5. 5

    Not having had an expected menstrual period.

    I'm late, honey. Could you buy a test?
  6. 6

    Deceased, dead: used particularly when speaking of the dead person's actions while alive. (Often used with "the"; see usage notes.)

    Her late husband had left her well provided for.
  7. 7

    Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not now; departed, or gone out of office.

    the late administration
  8. 8

    Recent — relative to the noun it modifies.

  9. 9

    Of a star or class of stars, cooler than the sun.

adverb

  1. 1

    After a deadline has passed, past a designated time.

    We drove as fast as we could, but we still arrived late.
  2. 2

    Formerly, especially in the context of service in a military unit.

    Colonel Easterwood, late of the 34th Carbines, was a guest at the dinner party.
  3. 3

    Not long ago; just now.

adverb

  1. 1

    Afterward in time (used with than when comparing with another time).

    I arrived later than my roommate.
  2. 2

    At some unspecified time in the future.

    I wanted to do it now, but I’ll have to do it later.

Antonyms

interjection

  1. 1

    See you later; goodbye.

    Later, dude.

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