latter

adjective

lat·ter | \ ˈla-tər

Definition of latter

1a : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms Can latter be used of more than two? More Example Sentences Learn More about latter

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Can latter be used of more than two?

There is some controversy afoot regarding the use of latter, particularly regarding its use to refer to items in a series. Many commentators insist that latter can only be used of a series that consists of two:

We have a chicken entree and a vegetarian entree: do you prefer the former or the latter?

When presented with a series of three or more, they say, anyone wishing to highlight the last item in the series should use last and not latter:

We had soup, fish, and dessert, and the last was uninspiring.

But our evidence shows that latter is used to refer to the last in a series regardless of number:

After Ethel's action at Oxford, the ultimate sacrifice that symbolizes her self-discipline, the focus moves away to other members of her family for the latter third of the novel...
— Melissa Schaub, Studies in the Novel, Spring 2007

...I am getting crosser and snappier and sadder every minute straining and struggling to type and to read and to draw (the latter is the easiest).
— James Thurber, letter, 9 June 1939

...bee not over-power'd with policie, nor with enforcement of arguments, nor with the approach of Souldiers, and Troopers; the two first may seeme to perswade you, the latter may terrifie you into an everlasting undoing...
— A.L., To all the honest, wise, and grave-citizens of London, but more especially to all those that challenge an interest in the Common-Hall, 1648

This use is common enough that most modern dictionaries make mention of it in their definitions for latter—and indeed they should, since our evidence for this particular use is several hundred years old. Despite this evidence, however, there are still those who object to its use; if you are concerned about such things, use last to refer to the last item in a series of three or more.

Examples of latter in a Sentence

… 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 the latter stages of the process We'll go in the latter half of the year. In his latter years he became blind.

Recent Examples on the Web

In Ancient Rome, suicide was permitted as an alternative to dishonor, but not for slaves and soldiers, the former because of the mercantile nature of their existence and the latter as a mark of patriotism. — Simon Harold Walker, Time, "If We Want to Address the Crisis of Veteran Suicide, We Must Acknowledge Its History," 6 Sep. 2019 In 2014, President Barack Obama excluded him and Sudanese leader Omar Hassan al-Bashir — the latter pursued by the International Criminal Court on genocide charges — from a 2014 summit in Washington of 50 African leaders. — Glenn Frankel, Washington Post, "Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwean leader who helped liberate and destroy his country, dies at 95," 6 Sep. 2019 Both boast custom built-ins, and the latter features a wet bar. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, "Tom Arnold gives Beverly Hills home sale another go," 5 Sep. 2019 Flacco has proven to the latter during Broncos practices and preseason games. — Ryan O’halloran, The Denver Post, "Joe Flacco on his Broncos’ regular-season debut: “It’s about time”," 4 Sep. 2019 The ones you're supposed to vote on are the latter. — Domenica Bongiovanni, Indianapolis Star, "Vote for your favorite 'High Art' billboard in Central Indiana," 3 Sep. 2019 The Mustangs received two touchdowns from Carson Zahn, the latter for a 14-13 lead in the third quarter. — Jack Marrion, Houston Chronicle, "Westside football defeats Madison in opener," 3 Sep. 2019 While the events of Hulu’s adaptation and The Testaments may never align — for starters, the latter is set over a decade beyond where the show is — the claim seems, at the very least, misleading. — David Canfield, EW.com, "The Handmaid's Tale," 3 Sep. 2019 Bell and Brown are gone, the latter traded to the Raiders. — Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY, "Jets RB Le'Veon Bell: Steelers 'had something special and they let it go'," 3 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'latter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for latter

latter

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of latter

: coming or happening near the end of a process, activity, series, life, etc.

See the full definition for latter in the English Language Learners Dictionary

latter

adjective

lat·ter | \ ˈla-tər

Kids Definition of latter

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.

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latter

Definition of latter

Synonyms & Antonyms for latter

Can latter be used of more than two?

Examples of latter in a Sentence

First Known Use of latter

History and Etymology for latter

English Language Learners Definition of latter

Kids Definition of latter

latter

Definition of latter

Synonyms & Antonyms for latter

Can latter be used of more than two?

Examples of latter in a Sentence

First Known Use of latter

History and Etymology for latter

English Language Learners Definition of latter

Kids Definition of latter

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