Basic Details
Word: Belated
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Happening or done later than expected.
Synonyms: Late, overdue, delayed
Antonyms: Timely, prompt, on time
Idioms and Phrases
- Better late than never: It is better for someone or something to be late than never to arrive or happen. Example: "I know I missed the party, but better late than never, I brought cake for everyone!"
- A day late and a dollar short: Something that is too little or too late to be helpful. Example: "His apology was a day late and a dollar short; everyone had already moved on."
Usage Examples
Example 1: I received my belated birthday card in the mail, one week after my birthday.
Example 2: The delivery was belated, arriving two days after the expected date.
Example 3: She made a belated effort to study for the exam the night before.
Fun Fact
The word belated comes from the Old English word "belate," which means to be late. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe actions that happen after their expected time.
Famous Quote
"Time is a created thing. To say 'I don't have time,' is like saying, 'I don't want to.'" Lao Tzu
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "belated" mean?
a) Happening on time
b) Happening later than expected
c) Happening very quickly
d) Happening incorrectly
Answer: b) Happening later than expected
2. Which of these is a synonym of "belated"?
a) Prompt
b) Late
c) Accurate
d) Quick
Answer: b) Late
3. Which is an antonym of "belated"?
a) Timely
b) Postponed
c) Delayed
d) Deferred
Answer: a) Timely
4. Which sentence uses "belated" correctly?
a) He gave a belated gift for her birthday last week.
b) She was belated to work on time yesterday.
c) The rabbit was belated in the race.
d) I belated my homework at school.
Answer: a) He gave a belated gift for her birthday last week.
5. Which idiom means the same as "belated"?
a) Better late than never
b) A penny for your thoughts
c) Break a leg
d) Spill the beans
Answer: a) Better late than never
