Lately Meaning
Lately Definition & Usage
Refers to a recent period, typically used to describe events or actions happening within the last few days or weeks.
Examples
- "I haven't seen her lately, is everything okay?"
- "Lately, I've been feeling really tired because of the long hours at work."
- "The weather has been so unpredictable lately."
- "Have you noticed how many people have been traveling lately?"
- "Lately, she’s been spending more time reading than watching TV."
Used to indicate that something has not been happening recently or is no longer occurring.
Examples
- "Lately, I haven't heard from John. I hope he's okay."
- "They’ve been quiet lately; I wonder if they are upset with me."
- "We haven't had much luck with the project lately."
- "The company hasn't made any significant improvements lately."
- "Lately, I haven't felt very motivated to exercise."
Cultural Context
'Lately' is commonly used in casual conversation and is often associated with a colloquial style of speech. It is part of the everyday vernacular and has no specific formal usage, though it appears in both written and spoken English.
The Unexpected Reunion
Story
The Unexpected Reunion
Sophia had been feeling disconnected from her old friends lately. The busy rhythm of her job and the routine of city life had drawn her away from her once close-knit group. She hadn’t heard from Mia in weeks, and it was starting to feel like their bond was slipping away. But on a rainy Tuesday evening, she received a message: ‘Meet me at the old café? I’ve missed you.’ It had been so long since they had sat down for a real conversation. As she walked into the familiar café, she noticed how different it looked—fewer people, a quieter atmosphere. But there was Mia, just as she remembered her. They embraced, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. ‘You’ve been so busy lately, I hardly recognized you,’ Mia teased, giving Sophia a playful nudge. ‘Lately, I’ve just been wrapped up in work. I didn’t even realize how much time had passed,’ Sophia admitted. They spent hours reminiscing and talking about life, both of them amazed at how much had changed. As Sophia left the café, she realized how much she had missed these moments, and how lately, she had allowed her busy life to pull her away from the things that truly mattered. It was time to reconnect, to not let ‘lately’ be an excuse for losing touch. The next day, she called another friend, ‘Let’s catch up soon, it’s been too long!’
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