late

Syllables:
la·te
2 syllables
late in syllables

About "late"

Syllables
2
Letters
4
Language
EN

How to Split "late" into Syllables

The word late is divided into 2 syllables: la·te. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • la — 1st syllable
  • te — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of late:

  • IPA: /leɪt/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. late (comparative later, superlative latest)
  2. Near the end of a period of time.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English late, lat, from Old English læt (“slow; slack, lax, negligent; late”), from Proto-West Germanic *lat, from Proto-Germanic *lataz (“slow, lazy”). By surface analysis, deverbal from let. From Proto-Finnic *lat'ëk, borrowed from Proto-Norse *ᚠᛚᚨᛏᛃᚨ (*flatja), from Proto-Germanic *flatją. Cognates include Finnish lattia and Livvi late. From Proto-Finnic *lat'ëk, borrowed from Proto-Norse *ᚠᛚᚨᛏᛃᚨ (*flatja), from Proto-Germanic *flatją. Cognate...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down late into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare late with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
late 2 la·te
lithe 2 li-the
lotto 2 lot-to
Luddite 3 lud-di-te
Leta 2 le-ta

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to late:

Lat, lath, latch, latex, lathe, Latin, latte, latent.

Frequently Asked Questions About "late"

How many syllables does "late" have?

late has 2 syllables: la·te. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "late"?

The stress is on the first syllable: la. This means you emphasize the "la" part when pronouncing late.

How do you pronounce "late"?

late is pronounced as /leɪt/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: la·te.

Is "late" easy to spell?

Breaking late into syllables helps with spelling: la·te. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "late" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.