of late: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘of late’ mean?
The idiom "of late" refers to something that has occurred or been happening in the recent or immediate past.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "right away" means immediately or without delay.
Right away is an English idiom that is commonly used to indicate immediate action or promptness. The phrase is believed to have originated in the late 19th century and is still widely used today.
The idiom "out of nowhere" means something unexpectedly or suddenly appearing without any prior indication or warning.
The idiom "out of nowhere" is a commonly used phrase in English language, primarily in the United States. It is often used to describe unexpected events or occurrences that seem to have no clear or logical origin.
The idiom "out of date" means something or someone that is no longer current, modern, or in fashion.
The idiom "on the way" means that something is currently in progress or about to happen. It suggests that something is not yet completed or arrived, but is in the process of getting there.
The idiom "on the wane" means that something is declining or decreasing in strength, popularity, or influence. It describes a gradual and noticeable decline in a particular situation or condition.
The idiom "on the rise" refers to something or someone increasing in popularity, success, or influence. It suggests a positive upward trajectory or growth in a particular area or aspect.
The idiom "one-off" refers to something that happens or is done only once, and is not repeated or meant to be continuous.
The idiom "once in a while" means occasionally or infrequently.
Once in a while is an idiomatic expression that means occasionally or infrequently. It conveys the idea of an irregular occurrence or a deviation from a usual pattern.
The idiom "of an" is used to emphasize a particular quality or characteristic of someone or something. It indicates that the quality being mentioned is extremely notable or outstanding.
Late Definition
The idiom "of late" is commonly used in modern English to refer to a recent period of time. It is often used to indicate that something has occurred or become prominent recently. The phrase can be traced back to Middle English, where "late" meant "recently" or "lately."
Historically, the word "late" has described time or events that occurred in the immediate past. In Old English, "late" meant "recent" or "new." The use of "of late" dates back to at least the 14th century, as seen in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. During the Middle English period, it was common to use the phrase "of late" in contexts such as "of late years," "of late time," or "of late day."
The idiom "as of late" is synonymous with "of late" and is used to convey the same meaning. The inclusion of "as" in the phrase emphasizes the recentness of the events or developments being discussed. It is a slightly more formal alternative to "of late" that imparts a sense of sophistication and elegance.
The idiom "in recent memory" is another way of expressing the concept conveyed by "of late." It suggests that the mentioned events or developments are memorable or notable within a relatively short span of time. This phrase is often used in contexts where the speaker wants to emphasize the significance or impact of something that has occurred recently.
The idiom "of late" gained popularity and saw increased usage in the early 19th century. It became a way to express the idea of recent events or developments. Literature from this time period, including works by authors such as Jane Austen and Sir Walter Scott, includes instances of the phrase being used in this manner.
In contemporary usage, "of late" is often employed in formal or literary contexts to convey a sense of sophistication or elegance. It is frequently found in written works, particularly in academic or journalistic writing. The phrase is also occasionally used in spoken English, although it is less prevalent in everyday conversation.
The meaning of "of late," "as of late," and "in recent memory" is relatively straightforward and has remained consistent throughout their usage. They all convey the idea of something happening or being prominent in the recent past. These phrases imply a sense of temporality and suggest that the mentioned events or developments are not necessarily ongoing or enduring.
Overall, the idiom "of late" has a long history in the English language and has evolved from its earlier usage in Middle English. It can be traced back to at least the 14th century and has seen continued usage ever since. The phrase is primarily used to refer to recent events or developments and is commonly found in written works. Its usage imparts a sense of sophistication and temporality. While the meaning of "of late," "as of late," and "in recent memory" is clear and well-established, they continue to leave room for interpretation and exploration.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *of late* can be used in a sentence:
- He hasn't been feeling well of late.
- She has been performing exceptionally well of late.
- They haven't been communicating much of late.
The idiom *of late* is used to indicate a recent period of time or to refer to something that has been happening recently. It often implies that the described situation or action has been ongoing for some time leading up to the present moment. In the given examples, it is utilized to convey a sense of recentness and continuity in different contexts.
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