of late: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "of late" is commonly used in modern English to refer to a recent period of time. It is often used to indicate that something has occurred or become prominent recently. The phrase can be traced back to Middle English, where "late" meant "recently" or "lately."

Historically, the word "late" has described time or events that occurred in the immediate past. In Old English, "late" meant "recent" or "new." The use of "of late" dates back to at least the 14th century, as seen in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. During the Middle English period, it was common to use the phrase "of late" in contexts such as "of late years," "of late time," or "of late day."

The idiom "as of late" is synonymous with "of late" and is used to convey the same meaning. The inclusion of "as" in the phrase emphasizes the recentness of the events or developments being discussed. It is a slightly more formal alternative to "of late" that imparts a sense of sophistication and elegance.

The idiom "in recent memory" is another way of expressing the concept conveyed by "of late." It suggests that the mentioned events or developments are memorable or notable within a relatively short span of time. This phrase is often used in contexts where the speaker wants to emphasize the significance or impact of something that has occurred recently.

The idiom "of late" gained popularity and saw increased usage in the early 19th century. It became a way to express the idea of recent events or developments. Literature from this time period, including works by authors such as Jane Austen and Sir Walter Scott, includes instances of the phrase being used in this manner.

In contemporary usage, "of late" is often employed in formal or literary contexts to convey a sense of sophistication or elegance. It is frequently found in written works, particularly in academic or journalistic writing. The phrase is also occasionally used in spoken English, although it is less prevalent in everyday conversation.

The meaning of "of late," "as of late," and "in recent memory" is relatively straightforward and has remained consistent throughout their usage. They all convey the idea of something happening or being prominent in the recent past. These phrases imply a sense of temporality and suggest that the mentioned events or developments are not necessarily ongoing or enduring.

Overall, the idiom "of late" has a long history in the English language and has evolved from its earlier usage in Middle English. It can be traced back to at least the 14th century and has seen continued usage ever since. The phrase is primarily used to refer to recent events or developments and is commonly found in written works. Its usage imparts a sense of sophistication and temporality. While the meaning of "of late," "as of late," and "in recent memory" is clear and well-established, they continue to leave room for interpretation and exploration.