latecomer 🔊
Meaning of latecomer
A person who arrives or starts something after the expected or usual time.
Key Difference
Unlike general terms like 'delayed person,' 'latecomer' specifically implies habitual or notable tardiness.
Example of latecomer
- The teacher frowned as the latecomer quietly slipped into the back of the classroom.
- Being a latecomer to the tech industry, she had to work twice as hard to catch up with her peers.
Synonyms
straggler 🔊
Meaning of straggler
Someone who falls behind others, especially in movement or progress.
Key Difference
While a latecomer is simply tardy, a straggler often lags behind due to slower progress.
Example of straggler
- After the marathon, a few stragglers were still making their way to the finish line.
- The hiking guide kept an eye out for stragglers to ensure no one got lost.
tardy 🔊
Meaning of tardy
Delayed beyond the expected or proper time.
Key Difference
'Tardy' is more formal and often used in school or workplace settings, whereas 'latecomer' is more general.
Example of tardy
- Employees who are frequently tardy may face disciplinary action.
- The student received a detention for being tardy three days in a row.
laggard 🔊
Meaning of laggard
A person who makes slow progress or falls behind.
Key Difference
A laggard implies consistent slowness, while a latecomer may only be delayed in arrival.
Example of laggard
- The company fired the laggard employee for failing to meet deadlines.
- In the race of innovation, no business wants to be seen as a laggard.
delayed 🔊
Meaning of delayed
Held back or slowed down in progress.
Key Difference
'Delayed' is a broader term that can apply to objects or events, whereas 'latecomer' refers specifically to people.
Example of delayed
- The delayed flight caused frustration among the passengers.
- Due to the delayed response, the opportunity was lost.
johnny-come-lately 🔊
Meaning of johnny-come-lately
A person who joins or becomes involved in something only recently.
Key Difference
This term often carries a dismissive tone, unlike the neutral 'latecomer.'
Example of johnny-come-lately
- The veteran team members resented the johnny-come-lately who acted like an expert.
- He was just a johnny-come-lately to the political movement, yet he spoke the loudest.
slowpoke 🔊
Meaning of slowpoke
A person who acts or moves slowly.
Key Difference
'Slowpoke' is more casual and implies slowness in general, not just in arrival.
Example of slowpoke
- Come on, slowpoke, we’ll miss the movie if you don’t hurry!
- She was always the slowpoke of the group, stopping to admire every little detail.
belated 🔊
Meaning of belated
Coming or happening later than expected.
Key Difference
'Belated' usually describes events or actions, not people.
Example of belated
- She sent a belated birthday card after forgetting the date.
- The team made a belated attempt to salvage the project.
last-minute 🔊
Meaning of last-minute
Done or occurring at the latest possible time.
Key Difference
This refers to timing rather than the person themselves.
Example of last-minute
- His last-minute submission barely made the deadline.
- We always seem to pack in a last-minute rush before vacations.
newcomer 🔊
Meaning of newcomer
A person who has recently arrived in a place or started an activity.
Key Difference
A newcomer isn’t necessarily late, just new, whereas a latecomer is specifically delayed.
Example of newcomer
- The club warmly welcomed the newcomer at the orientation session.
- As a newcomer to the city, she spent weekends exploring different neighborhoods.
Conclusion
- The word 'latecomer' is best used when referring to someone who habitually arrives after the expected time.
- 'Straggler' is fitting when describing someone who falls behind a group, especially in movement.
- Use 'tardy' in formal or institutional contexts like schools or workplaces.
- 'Laggard' should be used when emphasizing consistent slowness rather than a single delay.
- 'Delayed' is a more general term applicable to events, objects, or people.
- 'Johnny-come-lately' carries a slightly negative tone, best used when someone joins something late and acts overly confident.
- 'Slowpoke' is a playful term for someone who moves or acts slowly in general.
- 'Belated' is ideal for describing delayed events or actions, not people.
- 'Last-minute' refers to actions done just before a deadline, not necessarily the person.
- 'Newcomer' is neutral and simply indicates recent arrival or participation.