C1adjective5K

Latter

UK /["/ˈlætə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈlætər/"]/

Definition

used to refer to the second of two things or people mentioned

In simple words: The second thing mentioned in a list.

Examples

  • He chose the latter option.
  • The latter point is the most important.
  • the latter half of the year
  • during the latter stages of the tournament
  • The latter half of the twentieth century saw huge growth in air travel.
  • In latter years, the population has grown a lot here.

Usage notes

Use 'latter' when comparing two things. It is more formal than simply saying 'the second one'. Avoid using it when you are talking about more than two items.

Grammar pattern

the + latter

Memory hint

Think of 'latter' as 'later'; it refers to the second in line.

Collocations

  • the latter part
  • the former and the latter
  • the latter half

Synonyms

  • second
  • subsequent
  • last

Antonyms

  • former

Common mistakes

  • Using 'latter' for more than two items.
  • Confusing with 'former', which refers to the first item.