Latter - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

Latter refers to the second of two things or people mentioned. It's the opposite of "former" and indicates the one that comes last in a sequence. Think of it as saying "the one that came after." ⏱️ It's a useful word for avoiding repetition. For instance, "She likes both cats and dogs; the former are independent, and the latter are more affectionate." The 'latter' refers to dogs.

Etymology

The word "latter" comes from the Old English word "lætra," meaning "slower, later." It's the comparative form of "late" and implies a position of being further along in time or sequence.

Related Words

Examples

• "She enjoys both reading and writing; the former is her favorite pastime. 📚"
• "He considered two options: college or a trade school; he chose the latter. 🎓"
• "She had two pets, a dog and a hamster; the latter was easier to care for. 🐹"
• "There were two movies playing; the latter started later in the evening. 🎬"

Encouragement

Use "latter" to make your writing and speech more efficient. It helps you avoid repeating information and keeps your communication concise. Challenge yourself to incorporate it into your vocabulary! ✍️

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