latter
LAT-uh
Latter (adj) means being the second of two things just mentioned. Example: “Of the two options, I'd choose the latter.”
adj
1
Being the second of two things just mentioned.
"Of the two options, I'd choose the latter."
"The essay compares two poems; the latter is far more personal."
2
Closer to the end of a period.
"He achieved most of his fame in the latter half of his career."
How to use latter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRefers to the second of two things just mentioned, or a later part of a period.
Common mistake
Use "latter" only when exactly two things were named; for three or more, say "the last" or "the last-mentioned" instead.
Common pairings
the former... the latter
in the latter half
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Of the two options, I'd choose the _____.
Etymology
From Old English lætra, the comparative of læt ("late").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for latter
See all rhymes for 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.
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