YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

belated

Adjective

IPA /bɪˈleɪtɪd/

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Meaning in plain English

Arriving or happening after the time when it was expected or would normally have been appropriate.

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Pronunciation

belated/bɪˈleɪtɪd/

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A birthday passes
Several days go by
The birthday present finally arrives

A belated present arrives later than the occasion or expected time.

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I sent my cousin a belated birthday card after returning home.
The manager offered a belated apology for overlooking our contribution.

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I sent my cousin a ________ birthday card after returning home.

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belated — Arriving or happening after the time when it was expected or would normally have been appropriate.

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Arriving or happening after the time when it was expected or would normally have been appropriate.

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Word origin

From the past participle of the now obsolete verb belate, meaning delay.

Did you know?

Belated often describes a birthday greeting, an apology or a response that comes late.

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