lately
//ˈleɪt.li//
Forms
- Comparative
- latelier
- Superlative
- lateliest
Definitions
1.Recently; not long ago; of late; not long since.
- It's only lately that I've been well enough to get out of bed.
- I'd lately returned from Japan.
2.In a late manner; after-the-fact.(slang)
- Don't try to come lately and change your answer now after you've heard everyone else's response.
3.Formerly.
- David George Philip Cholmondeley, The Marquess of CHOLMONDELEY, K.C.V.O., lately Lord Great Chamberlain, Royal Household.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #3402
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English lately, latly, equivalent to late + -ly.
Compare Old English lætlīċe (“slowly, tardily”), Middle Low German lātlîk (“careless, slack, sloppy”).