later Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. adjective satellite coming at a subsequent time or stage
   ulterior; posterior.
   
   • without ulterior argument
   • the mood posterior to
2. adjective at or toward an end or late period or stage of development
   late.
   
   • the late phase of feudalism
   • a later symptom of the disease
   • later medical science could have saved the child
3. adjective being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
   late.
   
   • late evening
   • late 18th century
   • a late movie
   • took a late flight
   • had a late breakfast
4. adjective satellite after the expected or usual time; delayed
   late; tardy; belated.
   
   • a belated birthday card
   • I'm late for the plane
   • the train is late
   • tardy children are sent to the principal
   • always tardy in making dental appointments
5. adjective satellite of the immediate past or just previous to the present time
   late; recent.
   
   • a late development
   • their late quarrel
   • his recent trip to Africa
   • in recent months
   • a recent issue of the journal
6. adjective satellite having died recently
   late.
   
   • her late husband
7. adjective of a later stage in the development of a language or literature; used especially of dead languages
   late.
   
   • Late Greek
8. adjective satellite (used especially of persons) of the immediate past
   late; former; previous.
   
   • the former president
   • our late President is still very active
   • the previous occupant of the White House
9. adverb happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
   after; afterwards; later on; subsequently; afterward.
   
   • he apologized subsequently
   • he's going to the store but he'll be back here later
   • it didn't happen until afterward
   • two hours after that
10. adverb at some eventual time in the future
    by and by.
    
    • By and by he'll understand
    • I'll see you later
11. adverb comparative of the adverb `late'
    
    • he stayed later than you did

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