Latter Common

Latter has 3 different meanings across 2 categories:

Noun · Adjective

Definitions

Noun

the second of two or the second mentioned of two

"Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the latter is remembered today"

latter

Adjective

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

"in the latter case"

latter

Relating to or being the second of two items.

"When choosing between the red and blue shirts, I decided to go with the latter because it fits better."

In plain English: Latter means the second of two things you are talking about.

"The latter option is cheaper, so I decided to choose it."

Usage: Use "latter" only when referring specifically to the second of exactly two previously mentioned items. It should not be used with groups containing more than two things or without clear prior reference to a pair.

Example Sentences

"The latter option is cheaper, so I decided to choose it." adj

"When choosing between tea and coffee, he preferred the latter for his morning routine." adj

"The two candidates were similar, but voters favored the latter because of her experience." adj

"Between saving money now or later, most people choose the latter option to secure their future." adj

Origin

Latter comes from the Old English word laetra, which was originally the comparative form meaning "later." It entered Middle English as a distinct term for the second of two things mentioned, separate from its modern usage as simply a synonym for later.

Rhyming Words

ter ater ster tter iter uter citer oater later vater gater after oster enter beter tater miter voter deter opter

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