adjective

1. Near the end of a period of time.

   “It was late in the evening when we finally arrived.”

2. Specifically, near the end of the day.

   “It was getting late and I was tired.”

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

   “Late Latin is less fully inflected than classical Latin.”

adverb

1. After a deadline has passed, past a designated time.

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

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. Not long ago; just now.

Synonyms: erenow, freshly, belatedly

adverb

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

   “I arrived later than my roommate.”

2. At some unspecified time in the future.

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

Synonyms: afterwards, hereafter, later on, someday

interjection

1. See you later; goodbye.

   “Later, dude.”