latter
English meaning: Latter
Definition
Relating to or being the second of two items.
Example
“Of tea and coffee, she preferred the latter.”
Another example: “In the latter part of the century, industry transformed the region.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A formal adjective meaning the second of two things already mentioned, contrasted with 'former'. Used in writing and careful speech; learners should note it refers to the last-named of exactly two items, not several.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old English 'lætra', comparative of 'læt' (late), originally meaning 'slower' or 'later', in use since before the 12th century.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- the latter half
- the latter part
- in latter years
- latter category
- the latter option
Word Forms
latter (adj); latterly (adv)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
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