When does "the late" become "the late"? Why won't we refer to Stalin, Lincoln, Homer, Jesus etc as the late?

Answer 1

I could be wrong but I think you say "the late" when its a recent death of famous people. With Lincoln, Homer and such we know they are dead thus....you don't have to say "the late". I don't know, I guess my answer is too simple.

Answer 2

Stalin, Lincoln, Homer, Jesus, are all Historic persons that we have read about or as in the case of Joseph Stalin may have lived during our lifetime. When a person dies they are refereed to as the "late" Mr/Mrs/Ms first name, last name. This means they are no longer alive but are dead. This title can be applied to the deceased person as soon as their death has been confirmed.

Answer 3

Use of the phrase, "the late" would be appropriate for Joseph Stalin, Adoph Hitler, Homer, etc., but not Jesus as He is not dead. The others are, but not Jesus, so He is NOT 'the late' Jesus of Nazareth.

Answer 4

living comparatively recently : now deceased -- used of persons and often with reference to a specific relationship or status b : being something or holding some position or relationship recently but not now c : made, appearing, or happening just previous to the present time especially as the most recent of a succession

Answer 5

Because people like Stalin ... Jesus are universally understood as being long gone, and the fact doesn't need to be reiterated, nor time or space wasted on having something obvious said.

Answer 6

Good Question. "The late" is a reference of respect paid to a person. The persons you named, although are also people, have become entities rather than individual human beings and hence we don't refer to them in th epast tense.

Answer 7

According to Webster's New World dictionary late means RECENTLY having died ( just 1 definition)

Answer 8

You only need to use "late" if it's relatively recent or not widely known that they're dead. Secondly Jesus is not dead.