Definition

1. 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.

2. 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

1. referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
   • in the latter case

Noun

1. the second of two or the second mentioned of two
   • Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the latter is remembered today