What does lately mean?
Lately is an adverb meaning in the recent past or not long ago. It often describes a change that has become noticeable during the past days, weeks, or months: “The weather has been unusually dry lately.” In conversation, it can also answer an implied question about whether someone or something has recently been seen, heard from, or encountered: “Have you been here lately?” Although the word can mean occasionally or now and then, that use is now relatively old-fashioned and formal. The phrase “lately, but not recently” uses the word humorously to mean both recently and at the same time not very recently. Lately is similar in meaning to recently, although it often carries a slightly more conversational or informal tone and emphasizes the recent period rather than a precise point in time.
In or during the recent past; not long ago.
"She has been especially busy lately."
The dominant modern sense is neutral and common in both spoken and written English.
Occasionally or from time to time.
"He lately went to the market on Saturday."
This sense is now dated or literary and is much less common than the sense meaning recently.
“Lately” points to a small window of the past: the recent present, when yesterday still feels close.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lately come from?
Lately was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to late. The word late itself has Old English roots and has long been used in expressions referring to a time closer to the present than an earlier time. The related forms later and latest developed from the same adjective, while lateness is a later derivative meaning the condition of being late.
How lately is actually used
In modern standard English, “lately” usually means recently and is neutral in register. The older sense meaning occasionally is now uncommon and may sound formal, literary, or dated, as in “He lately visited the country.” The expression “lately, but not recently” is idiomatic and playful.