Words / B2

LAYTL-ee/ˈleɪtli/

Lately means in the recent past; recently: improved lately; have you seen her lately? Recently is the close twin; later is a future or next time (already in the dictionary). Attendance improved after the bus change. Mix-up: latest is “most recent of a series”. Do not write lately for “at night” (that is late).

Meaning

In the recent past; recently.

Examples

• “Attendance has improved lately after the bus timetable changed.”
• “Have you revised the mark scheme lately, which is the “in recent weeks” sense.”

Good to know

lately; just lately. Close: recently. Contrast: later / latest / late. Pastoral and news. Recent past, not “after this”.

Near in meaning

recently

New