belated
bih-LAY-tidadjMeaning coming late; overdue
Memory hook BE-LATE-d: LATE, but here at last. A week after Zoe’s birthday, Pip runs up with a card: “Happy birthday… last week!” His wishes are belated.
Grandpa sent me a belated birthday card with an apology for being late.
In context The thank-you note was belated, arriving a full two months after the party, but Aunt Lin was happy to get it all the same.
Similar late, overdue, tardy
Opposite early, timely, prompt