Basic Details
Word: Belated
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Happening or coming later than expected or usual.
Synonyms: Late, overdue, delayed, tardy
Antonyms: Timely, punctual, early, prompt
Idioms and Phrases
- Belated birthday wishes: Used to wish someone a happy birthday after the actual day. Example: "Sorry I missed your birthday-belated birthday wishes!"
- Better belated than never: A twist on "better late than never," indicating a late action is still appreciated. Example: "She finally apologized, and I guess it's better belated than never."
Usage Examples
Example 1: He sent belated congratulations to the newlyweds a week after their wedding.
Example 2: Please accept my belated apology for missing the meeting.
Example 3: I gave her a belated birthday gift since I was out of town on her actual birthday.
Fun Fact
Belated originally comes from the prefix "be-" and the root "late." It first appeared in English around the 1500s, and while it can apply to many late things, it's most commonly used today in phrases like "belated birthday wishes."
Famous Quote
"A belated apology is better than no apology at all." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "belated" mean?
a) Very early
b) Happening on time
c) Happening or arriving late
d) Not happening at all
Answer: c) Happening or arriving late
2. Which of these is a synonym of "belated"?
a) Timely
b) Prompt
c) Delayed
d) Early
Answer: c) Delayed
3. Which is an antonym of "belated"?
a) Tardy
b) Overdue
c) Late
d) Punctual
Answer: d) Punctual
4. Which sentence uses "belated" correctly?
a) She was belated for lunch at noon.
b) He gave a belated gift after the party.
c) The belated train arrived early.
d) I belated the food for dinner.
Answer: b) He gave a belated gift after the party.
5. What does the idiom "belated birthday wishes" mean?
a) Wishing someone before their birthday
b) Forgetting someone's birthday entirely
c) Wishing someone after their birthday has passed
d) Celebrating a birthday on time
Answer: c) Wishing someone after their birthday has passed
