Reading Theme:
Latter: Meaning, Usage, and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：the second one (latter)
latter
/ˈlætər/
adj., n.
refers to the second or last thing mentioned, especially when there are two.
the second one
➕
/ðə ˈsɛkənd wʌn/
adj., n.
Refers to the second or last thing mentioned when there are only two items, often contrasted with 'former'.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English lætra, comparative of læt (late).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'latter' as 'later' with double t; it refers to the later option.
📖 Example
My uncle tried both new smartphones, and he found the latter much easier to use.
My uncle tested two new cell phones and discovered that the second one was simpler to operate.
🔗 Collocations
the latter case – the second situation mentioned
the latter half – the second part of a period
the latter option – the second choice
🔄 Synonyms
second (adj.) – coming after the first in order or time
later (adj.) – occurring at a subsequent time
last-mentioned (adj.) – the one referred to finally
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
latterly (adv.) – recently or towards the end
📖 Cultural Story
Latter originates from the comparative form of 'late' in Old English, used to denote the second of two items. It is commonly contrasted with 'former' in academic writing.
Meaning 2：the final part (latter)
latter
/ˈlætər/
adj., n.
happening or being at the end of a period or sequence.
the final part
➕
/ðə ˈfaɪnl pɑrt/
adj., n.
Describes the part or stage that happens near the end of a period or sequence.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The cake needs precise timing in the latter stages of baking.
The cake requires careful timing during the final stages of baking.
🔗 Collocations
latter part – the section near the end
latter days – the final period of time
latter end – the concluding point
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
lattermost (adj.) – farthest to the end (rare)
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