How to Pronounce Late

To pronounce "late", say LAT-e — 2 syllables, IPA /leɪt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

late

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

4

Letters

/leɪt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “late”

"late" has 2 syllables: lat-e. It rhymes with elucidate and articulate, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: leight — easy to mix up when writing.

What does late mean?

noun

  1. A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place late in the day or at night.

adjective

  1. Near the end of a period of time.

    “It was late in the evening when we finally arrived.”

  2. Specifically, near the end of the day.

    “It was getting late and I was tired.”

adverb

  1. After a deadline has passed, past a designated time.

    “We drove as fast as we could, but we still arrived late.”

  2. Formerly, especially in the context of service in a military unit.

    “Colonel Easterwood, late of the 34th Carbines, was a guest at the dinner party.”

Synonyms

erenowfreshlybelatedly

Antonyms

early

Words that rhyme with late

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

elucidatearticulatedesolatefacilitateprofligateexplicatedeliberatedelineateruminateinnatecultivatestate

Related words

latishbelatedtardytardilybelatedlydeadlastdeep

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "late"?▾

"Late" has 2 syllables: lat · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "late"?▾

The IPA transcription of "late" is /leɪt/.

What does "late" mean?▾

Late: A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place late in the day or at night.

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