Late vs. Latest

Late vs. Latest — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Late and Latest

Lateadjective

Near the end of a period of time.

It was late in the evening when we finally arrived.

Latestadjective

Last, final.

Lateadjective

Specifically, near the end of the day.

It was getting late and I was tired.

Latestadjective

Most recent.

Here is the latest news on the accident.

Lateadjective

Associated with the end of a period.

Late Latin is less fully inflected than classical Latin.

Latestadverb

At the latest.

Complete the XYZ task latest by today 5:00PM.
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Lateadjective

Not arriving until after an expected time.

Even though we drove as fast as we could, we were still late.Panos was so late that he arrived at the meeting after Antonio, who had the excuse of being in hospital for most of the night.

Latestnoun

The most recent thing, particularly information or news.

Have you heard the latest?What's the latest on the demonstrations in New York?Have you met Jane's latest? I hear he's a hunk.

Lateadjective

Not having had an expected menstrual period.

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

Latestadjective

up to the immediate present; most recent or most up-to-date;

the news is up-to-the-minutethe very latest scientific discoveries

Lateadjective

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

Her late husband had left her well provided for.The piece was composed by the late Igor Stravinsky.

Latestadjective

in accord with the most fashionable ideas or style;

wears only the latest stylethe last thing in swimwearknows the newest dancescutting-edge technologya with-it boutique
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Lateadjective

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

the late bishop of Londonthe late administration

Lateadjective

Recent — relative to the noun it modifies.

Latenoun

(informal) A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place late in the day or at night.

Lateadverb

After a deadline has passed, past a designated time.

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

Lateadverb

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.The Hendersons will all be there / Late of Pablo Fanque's Fair / What a scene!
— "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!", The Beatles

Lateadjective

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time;

late eveninglate 18th centurya late movietook a late flighthad a late breakfastin the middle yearsin his middle thirties

Lateadjective

after the expected or usual time; delayed;

a belated birthday cardI'm late for the planethe train is latetardy children are sent to the principalalways tardy in making dental appointments

Lateadjective

of the immediate past or just previous to the present time;

a late developmenttheir late quarrelhis recent trip to Africain recent monthsa recent issue of the journal

Lateadjective

having died recently;

her late husband

Lateadjective

of a later stage in the development of a language or literature; used especially of dead languages;

Late GreekMiddle English is the English language from about 1100 to 1500Middle Gaelic

Lateadjective

at or toward an end or late period or stage of development;

the late phase of feudalisma later symptom of the diseaselater medical science could have saved the child

Lateadjective

(used especially of persons) of the immediate past;

the former presidentour late President is still very activethe previous occupant of the White House

Lateadverb

later than usual or than expected;

the train arrived latewe awoke latethe children came late to schoolnotice came so tardily that we almost missed the deadlineI belatedly wished her a happy birthday

Lateadverb

to an advanced time;

deep into the nighttalked late into the evening

Lateadverb

at an advanced age or stage;

she married lateundertook the project late in her career

Lateadverb

in the recent past;

he was in Paris recentlylately the rules have been enforcedas late as yesterday she was finefeeling better of latethe spelling was first affected, but latterly the meaning also