Is the word belated transitive intransitive or linking?

"Belated" is an adjective. It describes something that is late or delayed.

Here's why it's not transitive, intransitive, or linking:

* Transitive verbs take a direct object (the thing being acted upon). For example, "He *sent* a letter."

* Intransitive verbs do not take a direct object. For example, "She *slept*."

* Linking verbs connect a subject to a subject complement (which renames or describes the subject). For example, "He *is* tired."

"Belated" doesn't act as a verb in any of these ways. It modifies a noun or pronoun, like in these examples:

* "He gave a belated birthday present."

* "The belated apology was sincere."

* "We received a belated invitation."

In all these examples, "belated" describes the noun (present, apology, invitation).