latter

lat-ter · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Denoting the second or second-mentioned of two people or things.

  2. 2.

    The second of two things or people previously mentioned.

  3. 3.

    Situated nearer to the end of something; belonging to the final part.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    the former and the latter — The first-mentioned and second-mentioned respectively
  • •
    latter-day — Modern; of recent times

Related words

Antonyms: earlier, first, former
See also: former, last, later, second
Synonyms: last-mentioned, later, second

Etymology

From Old English lætra, comparative of læt meaning "late." The word developed its current meaning of "second-mentioned" in Middle English.