Definition

1. Adverb:
   • At a later time than is appropriate, expected, or desired; tardily. The action occurs after the proper, intended, or usual time.

Usage and Examples

• Adverb:
  • I realized I had forgotten her birthday and belatedly sent a card a week later. (The action of sending the card was done after the appropriate time.)
  • The government belatedly acknowledged the problem after years of public pressure. (The acknowledgment happened later than it should have.)
  • He belatedly understood the instructions after the test had already begun. (The understanding came too late to be useful.)

Advanced Usage

• "Belatedly" is often used to describe actions, realizations, or communications that are delayed, frequently implying a sense of regret, apology, or missed opportunity due to the lateness.
  • She belatedly offered her congratulations on my promotion. (The congratulations were offered, but the delay suggests they were not timely.)

Variants and Related Words

• Belated (adjective): Coming or happening later than should have been the case.
  • A belated birthday wish.
• Tardily (adverb): Synonym meaning late or slowly.
• After the fact (phrase): Occurring or done after something has happened.

Synonyms

• Late
• Tardily
• Behindhand
• After the event

Antonyms

• Punctually
• Promptly
• Timely
• Early

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Better late than never: An idiom used to suggest that doing something late is better than not doing it at all. This phrase is often used in conjunction with actions described as belatedly.
  • I know this gift is belatedly given, but as they say, better late than never.

Adverb

1. later than usual or than expected
   • the train arrived late
   • we awoke late
   • the children came late to school
   • notice came so tardily that we almost missed the deadline
   • I belatedly wished her a happy birthday