lately

American  

[leyt-lee] / ˈleɪt li /

adverb

1. of late; recently; not long since.

   He has been very grouchy lately.

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lately British  

/ ˈleɪtlɪ /

adverb

1. in recent times; of late

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Etymology

Origin of lately

before 1000; Middle English latli; Old English lætlīce; see late, -ly

Explanation

Something that happened lately occurred very recently. If you've spotted a fox every day for the last week, you might say, "I've seen so many foxes lately!" If your friend says, "I've been really stressed out lately," she means she's been overworked and tense for the past few days, weeks, or possibly months. Lately is an adverb that covers the immediate past, a period of time that wasn't too long ago. A more old-fashioned way to say lately is "of late." Though this word has had its current meaning since the fifteenth century, it originally meant "slow or sluggish."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lately

I could say that lately I’ve been regarding the things I find nourishing with renewed appreciation.

From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026

And, more nights than not lately, I’ve been making rice and eggs.

From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026

But lately, a different demographic has flocked to its limestone cliffs: office workers from China’s big cities.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

Except, as every theater that has lately dared put on a show created by new, experimental or unknown artists knows, it can feel like an insurmountable task.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026

He had always been a nervous and impulsive person, but lately his emotions were almost out of control.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple