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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary

Dead vs. late

Hi,

What is the difference between late and dead? For example:
the late husband / the dead husband
the late president / the dead president

Thanks
  

Top answer

Hi, What is the difference between late and dead? Very broadly speaking, the word 'late' can mean 'unpunctual', 'former' or '(recenty) dead'. The context usually makes the meaning clear.

— Clive

  • Hi, What is the difference between late and dead?
  • Very broadly speaking, the word 'late' can mean 'unpunctual', 'former' or '(recenty) dead'.
  • The context usually makes the meaning clear.
  • A lot of people don't like to use the word 'dead', prefering various euphemisims, such as 'late'.
  • Clive
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6 Answers
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Hi,

What is the difference between late and dead?

Very broadly speaking, the word 'late' can mean 'unpunctual', 'former' or '(recenty) dead'. The context usually makes the meaning clear.



A lot of people don't like to use the word 'dead', prefering various euphemisims, such as 'late'.



Clive
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Hi Clive,
If late means 'dead' here, do the two words mean the same?
Thanks
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Hi,

Yes, in a context where you are talking about dead people.

But 'late' has other meanings in other contexts, as I said.

Clive
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Hi Clive,
Does 'late' also mean 'dead recently'?
Thanks
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Hi,





I would say usually, yes.

Although 'recently' is hard to define.



Clive

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Hi Clive,
Thank you very much for your answer.
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