late-summer

The compound "late-summer" is a transparent combination of two native English words. "Late" derives from the Proto-Germanic lataz, meaning "slow" or "sluggish," which evolved to denote something happening after the expected or proper time. "Summer" originates from the Proto-Germanic sumuraz, referring to the warm season. When combined, the literal meaning "the slow or latter part of the warm season" perfectly captures the modern abstract sense of the period transitioning from summer's peak to autumn. This logical compounding is a common feature in English for creating precise temporal descriptions.

Structure: late (after the usual time) + summer (the warmest season) - late: From Old English læt (slow, tardy), of Germanic origin. Functions as an adjective modifying the following noun. - summer: From Old English sumor, of Germanic origin. Functions as the primary noun being modified.