What is the difference between belated and late?

Can belated refer to events or only objects like gifts?

Is belated used in business writing?

← Dictionary

belated

/bɪˈleɪtɪd/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Coming late; happening after the expected or proper time.

Thanks for your belated birthday wishes.
It was a belated reply to the email.
The belated gift arrived after the party.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: belated is stronger than simply "late" and suits planned events or items that arrive after the moment, whereas "delayed" focuses on the action causing the lateness. Use "belated" for things like gifts or replies; prefer "delayed" when the process or system causes the hold-up.

In other languages

Spanish: Entregado con retraso
Japanese: 遅すぎる
Korean: 늦은
Vietnamese: muộn
Chinese: 迟到的

Etymology

Late Middle English: from past participle of belaten ‘delay’, from Old French belater.

Common phrases

belated birthdaybelated giftbelated replybelated congratulations

Synonyms

late overdue behind schedule delayed tardy

Related words

delay late tardy postpone reschedule

Frequently asked questions

Is belated formal or informal?: Is belated formal or informal?
What is the difference between belated and late?: What is the difference between belated and late?
Can belated refer to events or only objects like gifts?: Can belated refer to events or only objects like gifts?
Is belated used in business writing?: Is belated used in business writing?