latter
/'lætə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned, or the last one(s) in a sequence when more than two are considered.
- Occurring or situated nearer to the end of something than to the beginning.
Noun:
- The second of two people or things just mentioned.
- The last mentioned or occurring of two.
Usage
- Adjective: Used to specify the second or last item in a previously stated pair or list. It is the counterpart to "former."
- Noun: Used to refer back to the second or last item in a previously stated pair or list. It is always preceded by the definite article "the."
Examples
- Adjective:
- We have two options: walking or taking the bus. The latter choice is faster.
- He focused on the latter chapters of the book, which contained the conclusion.
- Noun:
- I enjoy both tea and coffee, but I prefer the latter. (referring to coffee)
- John and Jane arrived late; the latter apologized immediately. (referring to Jane)
Advanced Usage
- "The latter part/half": Refers to the second half or the concluding segment of a period, text, or object.
- The company's profits improved in the latter half of the fiscal year.
- "In latter days": A formal or literary phrase meaning in recent times or the final period of history.
- Technological advancements have accelerated in these latter days.
Variants and Related Words
- Latterly (adverb): Recently; in the recent past.
- He has latterly taken an interest in gardening.
- Latter-day (adjective): Of or characteristic of the present or recent times; modern. Often used to describe a contemporary version of something historical.
- She is considered a latter-day pioneer in the field of biotechnology.
Synonyms
- Second: The one after the first.
- Last: Coming after all others in time or order.
- Final: Coming at the end of a series.
Antonyms
- Former: Referring to the first of two things mentioned.
- First: Coming before all others in time or order.
- Initial: Existing or occurring at the beginning.
Notes on Usage
- "Latter" is used specifically when comparing two items or a sequence where the last one is emphasized. For simple lists of more than two items, "last" is generally preferred.
- The phrase "the latter" always requires a clear antecedent (the thing it refers to) to be understood. It cannot be used in isolation.
- In formal writing, ensure the referent for "the latter" is unambiguous to avoid confusion.
Adjective
- referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
- in the latter case
Noun
- the second of two or the second mentioned of two
- Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the latter is remembered today