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latterbeing the second of two things mentioned; occurring nearer to the end of a period of time

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: being the second of two things mentioned; occurring nearer to the end of a period of time

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlætər/

Example Sentences

  • Between studying and gaming, my mom prefers the latter for me... NOT!
  • He worked as both a teacher and a writer, but found more success in the latter career.
  • The professor offered us either a 10-page essay or a 3-hour exam - obviously everyone chose the latter!

latter

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈlætər/]

being the second of two things mentioned; occurring nearer to the end of a period of time

The customer chooses the latter of two ice cream flavors
💡 Concept

The customer chooses the latter of two ice cream flavors

The first may scatter, but the latter will matter!
🎵 Rhyme

The first may scatter, but the latter will matter!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈlætər/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈlætə(r)/

🌳Etymology

Rootlate
Suffix--er

Origin

The word derives from Old English lætra, the comparative form of late. Originally meaning 'more late' or 'later in time', it evolved to denote 'coming after' and subsequently came to mean 'the second of two' or 'occurring in the latter part of a period'.

Breakdown

late (adjective: slow, tardy) + -er (comparative suffix), forming the comparative degree to indicate a greater degree of lateness or a position further along in sequence.

🎵Rhyme

battermatterscatterchatter
batter
matter
scatter
chatter

🔗Collocations

the latter option
in the latter half
prefer the latter
latter part of
latter years
the former and the latter

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

Between studying and gaming, my mom prefers the latter for me... NOT!

He worked as both a teacher and a writer, but found more success in the latter career.

😄 Fun example

The professor offered us either a 10-page essay or a 3-hour exam - obviously everyone chose the latter!

The concert was divided into two parts, with the latter being more energetic.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

secondlast-mentionedfinalsubsequent

Antonyms

formerfirstearlier

Related

laterlastfinalsecondformer

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