lately

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   Recently; not long ago; of late; not long since.

   I'd lately returned from Japan.

2. 2
   adv

   In a late manner; after-the-fact.

   Don't try to come lately and change your answer now after you've heard everyone else's response.

3. 3
   adv

   Formerly.

   David George Philip Cholmondeley, The Marquess of CHOLMONDELEY, K.C.V.O., lately Lord Great Chamberlain, Royal Household.

4. 4
   adv

   in the recent past

Etymology

From Middle English lately, latly, equivalent to late + -ly. Compare Old English lætlīċe (“slowly, tardily”), Middle Low German lātlîk (“careless, slack, sloppy”).