Lately

Definition

Recently; not long ago.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈleɪtli/
• Respelling: LAYT-lee (with "LAYT" as in "say" and "lee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈleɪtli/
• Respelling: LAYT-lee (with "LAYT" as in "say" and "lee" as in "see")

In both dialects, "lately" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "LAYT." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "LAYT-lee."

Etymology

The term "lately" derives from the Old English word "lǣt" meaning "slow, late" combined with the suffix "-ly", which is used to form adverbs.

Derivatives

• Late
• Latish
• Lateness
• Later
• Latest

Synonyms

• Recently
• Newly
• Freshly

Antonyms

• Long ago
• Formerly
• Previously

Usage

Lately is commonly used to describe actions or events that have taken place in the recent past. It can refer to both specific incidents and ongoing trends.

Related Terms

• Recently: At a recent time; not long ago.
• Currently: At the present time.
• Newly: Very recently; just now.

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• Lately (Adverb): In the recent past; recently.
  • Example: "I haven't seen her lately."
  • Example: "Lately, the weather has been colder."