late-flowering
|late-flow-er-ing|
/ˌleɪtˈflaʊərɪŋ/
success or development occurring later than usual
Etymology
The word 'late-flowering' is formed in English from 'late' and 'flowering', where 'late' means 'after the expected time' and 'flowering' refers to 'coming into bloom or development'.
'Late-flowering' is a compound word created in modern English by combining 'late' and 'flowering', following the pattern of similar compounds like 'early-flowering'.
Initially, it referred literally to plants that bloom later in the season, but over time it evolved to describe people or things that achieve success or development later than usual.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
occurring, developing, or becoming successful later than is typical or expected, especially in life or in a process.
He was a late-flowering artist who only gained recognition in his fifties.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/01 15:24