belated

Belated is an adjective meaning occurring or arriving after the expected or proper time; delayed beyond the intended date or moment. It is commonly used to describe messages, gifts, apologies, or recognitions that arrive later than ideal, often with a sense of regret or humor. The adverb form belatedly is used to describe actions that are late.

Etymology: The term derives from be- plus late, from Old English late (slow). The prefix be- can indicate surrounding or affecting the base word, and belate originally carried a sense related to lateness, later evolving into the adjective belated.

Usage notes: In everyday use, belated implies that the lateness was noticeable but not necessarily intentional harm. It contrasts with simply late by emphasizing the lateness of a gesture or act as a matter of timing. Common collocations include belated birthday wishes, belated apology, belated condolences, and belated recognition. The phrase better late than never is often invoked in connection with belated actions.

Examples: She sent a belated birthday card a week after the party. He offered belated thanks in his letter. The company issued a belated apology for the data breach.

Related terms: tardy, overdue, late, belatedness, belatedly.