Lately — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ˈlāt-lē/ late·ly

Meaning & Definition of Lately

Lately (adverb)

  1. of late, recently

Lately (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not long ago

    "have you been listening to the radio much lately?"

    similar: freshly, just, late, new, newly, now, only, recently, of late
    related: latterly
    opposite: anciently
    near: ago, before, earlier, early, erstwhile, formerly, previously, heretofore, hitherto

Related Entry: Johnny-come-lately (noun)

Johnny-come-lately is a different word from Lately. The synonyms below are for Johnny-come-lately, not for lately.

  1. as in me-tooer

    similar: me-tooer, follower, imitator
    opposite: bellwether, leader, pacemaker, pacer, pacesetter, trendsetter, foregoer, forerunner, harbinger, herald, precursor, groundbreaker, innovator, pioneer

Related Entry: Johnny-come-latelies (noun)

Johnny-come-latelies is a different word from Lately. The synonyms below are for Johnny-come-latelies, not for lately.

  1. as in me-tooers

    similar: me-tooers, followers, imitators
    opposite: bellwethers, leaders, pacemakers, pacers, pacesetters, trendsetters, foregoers, forerunners, harbingers, heralds, precursors, groundbreakers, innovators, pioneers

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Lately

The most common words with a similar meaning to Lately:

freshly, just, late, new, newly, now, only, recently, of late

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Lately

Words with the opposite meaning of Lately:

anciently

Related Words for Lately

latterly

Near Antonyms of Lately

ago, before, earlier, early, erstwhile, formerly, previously, heretofore, hitherto

Origin & Etymology of Lately

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Lately

Words & Phrases Containing Lately

Johnny-come-lately

Frequently Asked Questions about Lately

What does "Lately" mean?

"Lately" means of late, recently. As an adverb, it is defined as: of late, recently.

What is another word for "Lately"?

Other words for "Lately" include freshly, just, late, new, newly, now, only and recently. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Lately" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Lately"?

There are 10 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Lately". Common alternatives include freshly, just, late, new, newly, now, only, recently and of late.

What is the opposite of "Lately"?

Antonyms of "Lately" include anciently. Near antonyms include ago, before, earlier and early.

How do you use "Lately" in a sentence?

Examples of "Lately" in a sentence: "have you been listening to the radio much lately?".

Is "Lately" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Lately" is an adverb.

Is "Lately" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Lately" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Lately"?

"Lately" is pronounced /ˈlāt-lē/ and divided into syllables as late·ly.