lately
Americanadverb
adverb
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With Ohtani both hitting well and appearing more refreshed lately, however, he’s been in the batting order for his past three starts on the mound.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
The bond-market narrative lately has been focused on “growth and labor-market re-acceleration,” said Garrett Melson, portfolio strategist at Natixis Investment Managers Solutions.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026
The name is tongue-in-cheek, but investors haven’t had patience for actual stodginess lately.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
But the rally has run out of steam lately.
From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026
“Hi,” Omi said in the floaty voice she was using lately when she spoke to boys.
From "Maybe He Just Likes You" by Barbara Dee
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
