(adj) after the expected or usual time; delayed, Syn. late, tardy, Example:a belated birthday card; I'm late for the plane; the train is late; tardy children are sent to the principal; always tardy in making dental appointments
(adv) later than usual or than expected, Syn. tardily, belatedly, Ant. early, Example:the train arrived late; we awoke late; the children came late to school; notice came so tardily that we almost missed the deadline; I belatedly wished her a happy birthday
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
a. Delayed beyond the usual time; too late; overtaken by night; benighted. “Some belated peasant.” Milton. -- Be*lat"ed*ness, n. Milton. [1913 Webster]