When is it appropriate to use "late" when referring to someone who has passed?

Question

I could never figure this out. Is this structure only for those who have recently passed?

The late Steve Jobs...

Or can I use it to refer to someone who died a long time ago?

The late George Washington...

Are you asking what the threshold is between being called 'late' and not having to bother? — Mitch, May 29, 2012 at 20:42
Note for later readers: a very similar question was asked again here, and for some reason attracted a lot more detailed answers. — PLL, Apr 24, 2014 at 13:25

Dougvj · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-29 20:34:28Z

8

Yes it is most appropriate for use with those who were recently living.

For an explanation:

The sense of "deceased" (as in the late Mrs. Smith) is from late 15c., from an adverbial sense of "recently."

answered May 29, 2012 at 20:34

Dougvj

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