First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
latter
adjective lat·ter \ˈla-tər\
: coming or happening near the end of a process, activity, series, life, etc.
Full Definition of LATTER
1
a : belonging to a subsequent time or period : more recent <the latter stages of growth> b : of or relating to the end <in their latter days> c : recent, present <affected by latter calamities>
2
: of, relating to, or being the second of two groups or things or the last of several groups or things referred to <of ham and beef the latter meat is cheaper today> <of ham and beef the latter is cheaper today>
See latter defined for English-language learners
See latter defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of LATTER
- … a fundamental trade-off between capitalist prosperity and economic security. As a nation we have chosen to have less of the former in order to have more of the latter. —David A. Stockman, Newsweek, 28 Apr. 1986
- … though her bibliography includes Hecht, Snyder, and Daiches, she omits the latter's first name … —DeLancey Ferguson, Modern Language Notes, February 1957
- [+]more
Origin of LATTER
Middle English, from Old English lætra, comparative of læt late
Related to LATTER
LATTER Defined for Kids
latter
adjective lat·ter \ˈla-tər\
Definition of LATTER for Kids
1
: coming or occurring near the end <We are in the latter stages of the work.>
2
: relating to or being the last thing or person mentioned <Of cake or pie, I'll choose the latter.>
Learn More About LATTER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: latter–dayPrevious Word in the Dictionary: lattenAll Words Near: latter
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up latter? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).