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belatedly

adverb

/bɪˈleɪtɪdli/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of belatedly

Done or happening later than it should have, or later than was expected.
"He belatedly realized that he had misunderstood the instructions."

Detailed meaning of belatedly

It is an adverb that describes an action or event that is delayed or tardy. It can be used to describe an apology, a birthday wish or a response to a situation that was delayed or came too late. It implies that the action or event should have occurred earlier and its lateness may cause inconvenience or disappointment.
For example, if someone sends a belated birthday wish, it means that they send their greetings after the birthday has passed, and it implies that they were not able to send it on time. In the same way, if an apology is belated, it means that it was given after the event that caused the need for an apology and implies that the apology was not given in a timely manner.
Belatedly can also be used to describe something that happens after a significant period has passed, for example, a belated anniversary celebration, it implies that the celebration is happening after the anniversary date has passed.
In general, belatedly describes an action or event that is delayed or comes too late, and it implies a lack of timeliness or promptness.

Example sentences containing belatedly

1. Belatedly, he realized the importance of time management in his career.
2. She submitted her assignment belatedly, missing the deadline by hours.
3. The apology came belatedly, leaving their friendship strained.
4. The company addressed the issue belatedly, causing customer frustration.
5. Belatedly, he recognized the signs of burnout and sought help.
6. The weather forecast predicted rain, but it arrived belatedly.

History and etymology of belatedly

The adverb 'belatedly' has its etymological origins in the word 'belate,' which is a compound of 'be-' (intensifying the action) and 'late.' 'Late' itself comes from the Old English word 'læt,' which means 'occurring after the expected or usual time.' When you add 'be-' to 'late,' it intensifies the lateness, emphasizing that something is done or happening even later than it should. Therefore, 'belatedly' conveys the idea of something occurring later than it was originally intended or expected, often implying a sense of delay or tardiness. Its etymology underscores this notion of being behind schedule or missing a deadline, giving rise to the adverb's usage to describe actions or events that are untimely or delayed.

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Further usage examples of belatedly

1. They celebrated their anniversary belatedly due to work commitments.
2. Belatedly, he admitted his mistake and vowed to make amends.
3. The government's response to the crisis was criticized for being belated.
4. Belatedly, she realized the value of saving money for the future.
5. He belatedly acknowledged the efforts of his dedicated team.
6. The news of the merger reached the employees belatedly.
7. Belatedly, she found the lost keys in the bottom of her bag.
8. The decision to upgrade the software was made belatedly.
9. Belatedly, they discovered the hidden treasure in the old attic.
10. He belatedly understood the consequences of his reckless behavior.
11. The school administration reacted belatedly to the safety concerns.
12. Belatedly, he recognized the beauty of the sunset on his commute.
13. The repair work on the bridge started belatedly, causing traffic delays.
14. She belatedly realized that forgiveness was the path to healing.
15. He realized belatedly that he had made a mistake.
16. The company belatedly recognized the potential of the new technology.
17. She apologized belatedly for her behavior.
18. He belatedly realized the importance of the deadline.
19. The government belatedly acknowledged the severity of the situation.
20. The company belatedly responded to the customer complaints.
21. He belatedly realized the true value of his inheritance.
22. The team belatedly realized the potential of the new strategy.
23. The company belatedly made the necessary changes to the product.
24. The school belatedly acknowledged the needs of the students.
25. The company belatedly realized the importance of customer service.