belated

Everyday

Coming or happening later than it should have. tree →

In the lessons

Most often in «belated birthday wishes» or «a belated thank-you» when you forgot or were late. In stories, a belated apology or realisation comes too late to help. Related adverb: belatedly.

Examples

• Happy belated birthday, Gran! tree →
• I sent her a belated thank-you card. tree →
• He made a belated attempt to tidy his room before Mum came home. tree →
• The team got a belated goal in the last minute. tree →
• She belatedly realised she had left her lunch at home. tree →
• Sorry for the belated reply. tree →
• Past such dangerous spots as these the belated villager will speed with timorous steps, remembering, perhaps, some such uncanny tale as that which comes next. tree →

Note

Not used for people: a belated card, not «a belated boy» (say «a late boy»). Adverb: belatedly. Similar: late, overdue.