Belated

The term 'belated' refers to something that occurs later than expected, planned, or desired, often implying a sense of delayed acceptance or acknowledgment. It is commonly used to describe actions, celebrations, or communications that are overdue and usually emphasize the importance of timing in social interactions and obligations. The word has a neutral connotation, reflecting a recognition of the passage of time that may lead to regret or simply an awareness of a delay.

Belated meaning with examples

• Jessica was both surprised and amused when she received a belated birthday card from her childhood friend. The card, adorned with colorful stickers, arrived weeks after her birthday. Despite the tardiness, Jessica cherished the gesture and appreciated the well wishes. She felt it was a beautiful reminder of their long-lasting friendship, which had weathered both time and distance. In the end, she decided to invite her friend over for a belated celebration to express her gratitude.
• After weeks of planning, Steve finally sent out his belated wedding invitations. He had initially meant to send them out months in advance but got caught up in work commitments. When he finally addressed the envelopes and attached stamps, he could only hope that guests would take joy in attending, even with the last-minute notice. To compensate for the late invitations, Steve thoughtfully included a personal note expressing his excitement for the upcoming day and the importance of their presence.
• Maria sighed as she realized her belated response to the job offer email. After reading the offer, she had allowed herself to become distracted by other prospects and lost track of time. When she finally decided to respond, she was anxious about whether the position was still available. In her email, she apologized for the delay but expressed her enthusiasm to discuss the opportunity. Maria hoped her belated reply would not be seen as a lack of interest or professionalism.
• Mark's belated anniversary gift for his wife included a heartfelt letter and a promise to organize a spontaneous getaway. He had forgotten their special day due to the overwhelming pressures of work. When he finally remembered, he felt the weight of his negligence but decided to make it right. The letter explained his love for her and his excitement for the future. The trip he planned was a way to reconnect and create new memories to replace the ones lost to a forgotten date.