Definition of lately

The word "lately" derives from the Old English word "litel" meaning "little" or "fewn." In Middle English, this word changed to "litely" and took on the meaning of "fairly recently" or "not long ago." The -ly suffix, which is still present in the word today, was added to indicate time or manner. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the word evolved. In early Modern English, "litely" was spelled "lately" and pronounced "latley." This spelling was influenced by Old French, which used the word "largement" to mean "recently" or "lately." The -ly ending of the French word may have contributed to the use of -ly in the English word "lately." Interestingly, the meaning of "lately" has also shifted over time. In the Middle English period, it was used to indicate that something had happened "fairly recently" or "not long ago." In Modern English, it has come to imply a more frequent or regular occurrence in recent times. Overall, the word "lately" has a long and interesting etymological history, with its origins in the Old English word "litel" and subsequent evolution through Middle English and early Modern English, influenced by Old French. While its meaning has shifted slightly, it remains a common and useful word in the English language today.