early/late

Từ điển Oxford Learners Wordfinder Dictionary

1 early
2 on time
3 late
see also TIME, BEFORE/AFTER, WAIT

1 early
- before the usual or expected time: early (adjective, adverb)
Early arrivals should be shown into the reception room. ◎ Am I early? ◎ I don't want to get there too early.
- coming or happening before the proper time; too early: premature
The decision was a bit premature - we probably should have waited a few more weeks. ◎ a premature baby
- near the beginning of a period of time: early (adjective, adverb)
I would guess that she's in her early seventies. ◎ early in 1973
- at an earlier time: earlier (on)
It's colder than it was earlier on.
- no earlier than: at the earliest
'What time should we come?' 'Six o'clock at the earliest.'
- earlier than sb/sth: before sb/sth
We both left at the same time but our friends arrived before us.

2 on time
- not late or early: on time, punctual (adverb punctually)
The train got in on time. ◎ Try to be punctual for meetings. ◎ We started punctually.
- at the right time or a little bit early: in good time
Make sure you leave the house in good time - sometimes the bus goes a little bit early.
- exactly at the right time; with no time to spare: just in time
We got there just in time - the train was about to leave.

3 late
- after the usual or expected time: late (adjective, adverb)
Hurry up, we're going to be late. ◎ It's too late to change your mind now. ◎ half an hour late
- near the end of a period of time: late (adjective, adverb)
In late 1988 I left my job and moved to a near area. ◎ We arrived late at night.
- at the last possible moment; only just in time: at the last minute, at the eleventh hour
They managed to clear the area at the eleventh hour - two minutes later the bomb exploded.
- at a later time: later (on)
See you later. ◎ Later on that evening, they met up with some friends and went to a club.
- no later than: at the latest
I want the work done by tomorrow at the very latest.
- later than sb/sth: after ※€¦
They got there after we did.
- late or slow in doing sth: behind (with sth), behind schedule
I'm sorry, I'll have to go - I'm a bit behind with my work.
- to continue later than the expected time: overrun*, run* late
The show overran by half an hour. ◎ I'm afraid you'll have to wait a few minutes for your appointment, we're running a bit late.
- late in arriving, happening, being paid, returned, etc: overdue
I must take back this library book - it's a week overdue.
※—† delay
- to make sb/sth slow or late: delay sb/sth, hold* sb/sth up; an occasion when this has happened: delay, hold-up
The plane was delayed by an hour. ◎ I'm sorry I'm late - I was held up at work. ◎ They apologized for the delay. ◎ a traffic hold-up
- to make sb late when they have to go somewhere: keep* sb
What can be keeping her? She said she'd be here by eleven.
- to decide not to do sth until a later time: delay sth/doing sth, put* sth off, put* off doing sth; this lack of action: delay (noun U)
They delayed the start of the match until the rain stopped. ◎ She always puts off doing her homework until the last minute. ◎ We need the money without delay.
- to arrange for sth to happen at a later time than planned: postpone sth, put* sth back; noun (C/U): postponement
The meeting has been postponed until next week. ◎ My appointment has been put back an hour to 4 o'clock.
※—† without delay
- without delay or hesitation: straight ※€¦
You should go straight home after school.
- without waiting for any time to pass: immediately, at once, right away, straight away
She came home and immediately went to bed. ◎ I made an excuse, but he knew at once that I was lying. ◎ Write it down straight away before you forget it.
- happening or done without delay: immediate
I asked for an immediate reply to my letter.
- immediate and rather surprising: instant (adverb instantly)
The show was an instant success.
※—† MORE ...
- (used about things) coming too late: belated
a belated birthday card
- a person who arrives late: latecomer
Latecomers are not allowed into the theatre once the play has started.
- late, but not too seriously late: better late than never
It won't be finished until next week, but better late than never I suppose.