adjective
late
Formerly holding the stated living status or position.
She keeps a photograph of her late husband on her desk.
Etymology
Late developed a sense of recently past. Before a person’s title or status, it identifies a position formerly held; before a person’s name, it can indicate recent death.
More examples
- The award honors the late poet and her work.
- My late grandfather taught me how to fish.
- The late chairman, now retired, still advises the board.