# lately

/ˈɫeɪtɫi/ (US) · /lˈeɪtli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lately
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. recently

adverb · CEFR B1

in the recent past, or many times in the last few weeks or months.

For teachers: referring to the recent past or a duration starting in the recent past and continuing to the present.

- I haven't seen much of Sarah lately because she is so busy at work.
- Lately, there has been a significant shift in public opinion regarding the proposed environmental regulations, as evidenced by recent polling data.

Usage: Commonly used with the present perfect tense to describe a state or a repeated action.

### 2. formerly

adverb · CEFR C2 · Archaic

in the past, but not anymore.

For teachers: referring to a previous time or a former state; now largely replaced by 'formerly' or 'previously'.

- The building, lately a warehouse, was converted into luxury apartments.
- The estate, lately the property of the Crown, was deeded to the local council for the creation of a public park.

Usage: Found almost exclusively in historical texts or legal documents.

## Examples

- I have been feeling very tired lately.
- The local government has been investing more in public parks lately to encourage outdoor exercise.
- While the company was once a market leader, its influence has waned lately as more agile competitors have introduced innovative digital solutions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.