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# the late

phrase (adjective phrase used before a name or a person: «the late Mr Smith», «my late husband»)

«the late» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, polite) dead, recently or not long ago (said before a person).
2. (ordinary) «late» = after the right time: «I was late for school».
3. (ordinary) near the end of a time: «late evening».

### In the lessons

Used in news, speeches, letters and polite talk to show that a person mentioned has died, gently and with respect («the late Queen», «my late father»). All English-speaking countries. Ordinary «late» (not on time) is extremely common in school life.

### Examples

- (news) The late singer's songs are still popular.
- (speech) We thank the family of the late Mr Brown.
- My late grandmother taught me to bake bread.
- (letter) Our thoughts are with the late Dr Patel's family.
- (school) Sorry I'm late, the bus broke down.
- (maths) The train was 12 minutes late, so it arrived at 9:17 instead of 9:05.
- (time) We went for a walk in the late afternoon.

### Note

Trap: «the late Mr Smith» = Mr Smith, who has died; «Mr Smith is late» = he hasn't arrived yet. Word order changes the meaning completely. In maths «late» means you add the delay to the planned time.