World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesBetter-Late-Than-Never
/ˈbɛtər leɪt ðən ˈnɛvər/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A saying that suggests it is better for someone or something to be late than never to arrive or to happen.
"Even though he missed the start of the meeting, he joined in later; better late than never." - 2
An expression used to convey that it is acceptable to do something after the expected time.
"She finally submitted her application; better late than never."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The phrase 'better late than never' has its roots in Middle English, with the earliest recorded usage dating back to the 14th century. It combines the Old English 'betera' (better) and 'nǣfre' (never), reflecting a cultural shift towards valuing timely action while acknowledging that any action is preferable to inaction.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Better-Late-Than-Never"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Better-Late-Than-Never" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
Mieux vaut tard que jamais
Transliteration: Mieux vaut tard que jamais
"Il est enfin arrivé à la fête, mieux vaut tard que jamais."
Besser spät als nie
Transliteration: Besser spät als nie
"Er kam schließlich zur Party, besser spät als nie."
Meglio tardi che mai
Transliteration: Meglio tardi che mai
"È arrivato finalmente, meglio tardi che mai."
Más vale tarde que nunca
Transliteration: Más vale tarde que nunca
"Llegó a la reunión, más vale tarde que nunca."
Antes tarde do que nunca
Transliteration: Antes tarde do que nunca
"Ele chegou à festa, antes tarde do que nunca."
बाद में आना कभी न आने से बेहतर है
Transliteration: Baad mein aana kabhi na aane se behtar hai
"वह अंततः आया, बाद में आना कभी न आने से बेहतर है।"
迟到总比不到好
Transliteration: Chídào zǒng bǐ bù dào hǎo
"他终于来了，迟到总比不到好。"
늦는 게 없는 것보다 낫다
Transliteration: Neunun ge eobsneun geoboda natda
"그는 결국 왔어, 늦는 게 없는 것보다 낫다."
遅れても来ないよりはまし
Transliteration: Okuretemo konai yori wa mashi
"彼はついに来た、遅れても来ないよりはまし。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsTo question someone thoroughly about a completed mission, project, or undertaking.
A document or electronic record issued by a carrier or shipping company confirming that goods have been received and dispatched for transport to a specified destination.
Apt to shoot without sufficient provocation or before fully assessing a situation.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Better-Late-Than-Never"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.