lately
gb/lˈeɪtli/ us/lˈeɪtli/
B1
English
~ 9400
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
relation
1
in the recent past
In the recent days, weeks, or months, including now.
Usage pattern:
lately, [subject] have/has been [verb]-ing
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "lately" with "recently" and with "late." "Lately" usually goes with the present perfect or present continuous to describe a general period ("I have been tired lately"), while "recently" is a bit more common with single finished actions. Also, "lately" does not mean "not on time"; for that meaning, use "late" (e.g., "I was late for class," not "I was lately for class").
Synonyms
recently (Very close in meaning; slightly more general and can refer more often to a single finished event.)
|
in the last few days (Longer phrase that makes the time period more explicit and concrete.)
|
of late (More formal or literary; used less in everyday conversation.)
Antonyms
long ago (Refers to a time far in the past, not close to the present.)
Collocations
lately I've been [verb]-ing
|have you been [verb]-ing lately
|been busy lately
|feeling [adjective] lately
|a lot lately
Themes
daily life
|time
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I've been really tired lately, so I'm going to bed early.
- Lately, she has been thinking about changing her job.
- Have you talked to your parents lately?
- The weather has been strange lately, with hot days and cold nights.
- He hasn't been very friendly lately, and I'm not sure why.
Learner examples
- I am very busy lately.
- Lately, I go to the gym after work.
- Have you seen Maria lately?
- My brother is very quiet lately.
- The buses are always late lately.
Grammar
Dictionary form
lately
IPA
GB/lˈeɪtli/
US/lˈeɪtli/
Syllables & stress
lately (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (lately)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: lately
- Plural: latelies
Word family
Expressions
how have you been lately?
1/hˈaʊ hˈæv jˈu bˈɪn lˈeɪtli ‖/
fixed phrase
asking about recent wellbeing
A polite question you ask to know how someone has felt and lived in the recent past.
Examples
- "Hi, Sarah, it's been a while. How have you been lately?"
- When I called my grandfather, the first thing I asked was, "How have you been lately?"
what have you been up to lately?
1/wˈʌt hˈæv jˈu bˈɪn ˈʌp tə lˈeɪtli ‖/
fixed phrase
informal
asking about recent activities
An informal question you ask when you want to know what someone has been doing in the recent past.
Examples
- "Hey, long time no see! What have you been up to lately?"
- My cousin wrote, "So, what have you been up to lately?" in his email.