Lately/ˈleɪtli/ Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Time Span Refers to a period up to the present from a point in the recent past. She's been studying hard lately for her exams. Pro Tip 2/3Changes Noticed Used when you've noticed a change or a new trend that wasn't present before. Have you noticed more people cycling lately? Pro Tip 3/3Follow-Up Questions Great for asking about someone's recent life in a conversational setting. You've been quiet lately, is everything okay?