last

The word “last” means coming after all others; final. In plain terms, final, most recent, or (as a verb) to keep going for a stretch of time.

“Last” is pronounced lahst (/læst/ in IPA).

Here is “last” used in a sentence: “This is the last chapter of the book.”

Words with a similar meaning to “last” include lastly, continue, endure and survive.

The opposite of “last” — its antonyms — are disintegrate, dissipate, fall apart and wear out.

Depending on how it is used, “last” can be an adjective, a det, a verb and a noun.

The word “last” comes from Old English. From Old English latost, the superlative form of "late" — so "last" originally meant "latest".

“Last” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

'Last' means final, with nothing coming after it, so 'the last episode of the series' implies the show has ended. 'Latest' means most recent, with more possibly to come, so 'the latest episode' suggests further episodes may follow. Mixing them up can completely change whether something is finished or ongoing.

The two are close and often interchangeable. 'Last' simply marks the position at the end of a series, as in 'the last person in line.' 'Final' stresses that something conclusively ends the matter, with a sense of decision, as in 'the final answer.' All final items are last, but 'final' adds a note of conclusiveness.

In the sense of final, the opposite is 'first,' meaning coming before all others, like the first and last chapters of a book. When 'last' means most recent or previous, as in 'last week,' the natural contrast is 'next,' as in 'next week.' Context decides which opposite fits.

'December is the last month of the year' places it after all the others. 'He crossed the finish line last' means behind everyone else. 'This is your last chance' means no more will follow. Note that 'last night' instead means the most recent, not the final, night.