1. Meaning of the Word:
The word “latter” refers to the second of two things or persons mentioned, or to the more recent or final part of a series of events or items.
2. Definitions and Meaning in English:
- Latter (adjective): Referring to the second or last of two things or people mentioned, or to something that is nearer to the end in a sequence.
- Latter (noun, rarely used): The second mentioned item in a list of two options.
3. History and Origin:
The word “latter” comes from Old English lættere, which means “later” or “toward the end.” It has been used since the 14th century to distinguish the later part of two items or events. The word is related to the concept of time, indicating a position closer to the end.
4. Detailed Explanation:
“Latter” is typically used to refer to the second of two things, people, or events that have been previously mentioned. For example, if you say, “I have two pets, a dog and a cat; the latter is more playful,” you are referring to the cat, which is the second item mentioned.
It can also refer to the more recent or final part of a period or sequence. For instance, “In the latter years of his life, he became more reflective.” Here, “latter” describes the more recent part of a person’s life.
While “latter” often appears in contrast to “former” (the first of two items), it can also be used to describe a portion of time or sequence when more than two elements are involved.
5. Example Sentences:
- Between the two candidates, I prefer the latter for the position.
- The latter part of the movie was far more engaging than the beginning.
- The latter half of the year was marked by significant economic changes.
- She spent her career teaching the younger children, while her colleague focused on the latter grades.
- We can discuss the first chapter now and the latter chapters later in class.
- The latter years of the 20th century saw massive technological advances.
- Of the two proposals, the latter is more feasible given the budget constraints.
- He found the latter part of the book quite philosophical and thought-provoking.
- The latter part of the trip was more relaxing, with fewer activities planned.
6. Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Second – Refers to the item or event that comes after the first in a sequence, similar to “latter.”
- Final – Describing the last part of something, often used in more extended sequences than just two items.
- Recent – Referring to something that has occurred or been mentioned more recently.
- Subsequent – Coming after something in time or order, a synonym for “latter” when referring to events.
- Later – Relating to a time after something has occurred, often used in similar contexts as “latter.”
7. Related Words with Short Explanation:
- Former – Refers to the first item in a pair or sequence, the opposite of “latter.”
- Subsequent – Refers to something following in time or order, similar to “latter” in broader contexts.
- Recent – Describes something that has happened not long ago, often used for the “latter” of two parts.
- After – Indicates something occurring later in time or sequence, related to the idea of the “latter” part.
- Final – Referring to the last or concluding part of something, related to “latter” in extended sequences.
8. More Matches with Short Explanation:
- Later years – A term often used to describe the more recent, final years of someone’s life, similar to the “latter years.”
- Later stages – Refers to the final or advanced stages of a process or period.
- Subsequent events – Events that come after others in time, akin to the “latter” event in a series.
- End part – Describes the concluding portion of something, related to the “latter” segment of a sequence.
- Afterward – A word that indicates something happening later, aligning with the concept of “latter.”
9. Antonyms:
- Former – Referring to the first of two items or people, the opposite of “latter.”
- Earlier – Describes something that occurs before another event, the opposite of “latter.”
- Preceding – Refers to something that comes before in time or sequence.
- Initial – The first in a series or sequence, opposite to “latter.”
- Previous – Something that happened or came before, in contrast to “latter.”