latter
3 synonyms and 1 antonyms for latter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Being the second of two things just mentioned.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use latter
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English lætra, the comparative of læt ("late").
Full origin of latter →Frequently asked questions
What does “latter” mean?
The word “latter” means being the second of two things just mentioned. In plain terms, refers to the second of two things just mentioned, or a later part of a period.
How do you pronounce “latter”?
“Latter” is pronounced LAT-uh (/ˈlæt.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “latter” in a sentence?
Here is “latter” used in a sentence: “Of the two options, I'd choose the latter.”
What is the opposite of “latter”?
The opposite of “latter” — its antonyms — is former.
What part of speech is “latter”?
“Latter” is an adjective.
Where does the word “latter” come from?
The word “latter” comes from Old English. From Old English lætra, the comparative of læt ("late").
Is “latter” a common word?
“Latter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “latter” have?
“Latter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: being the second of two things just mentioned.
What is the difference between former and latter?
When two things have just been mentioned, "former" refers to the first and "latter" to the second. In "tea or coffee — I prefer the latter," the latter means coffee. They are a matched pair: former points back to the earlier item, latter to the later one, saving you from repeating the words.
What is the difference between latter and latent?
They sound alike but are unrelated. "Latter" means the second of two things mentioned. "Latent" means hidden or dormant — present but not yet visible or active, as in "a latent talent" or "a latent infection." Only "latter" refers to order or position; "latent" is about something waiting beneath the surface.
Can you use latter for more than two things?
Strictly, no. "Latter" is meant for the second of exactly two items. If you have listed three or more, careful writers use "last" or "last-mentioned" instead. Using "latter" for the final item in a longer list is common in speech but is considered loose in formal writing.