latter
gb/lˈætɚ/ us/lˈætɚ/
B1
English
~ 1300
az utóbbi, késői, későbbi
B1
1
az utóbbi
B1
Usage pattern:
the latter [of the two/things]
Of the two proposals, I prefer the latter.
A két javaslat közül az utóbbit részesítem előnyben.
We discussed Paris and Rome; the latter is my favorite.
Párizsról és Rómáról beszéltünk; az utóbbi a kedvencem.
You can choose tea or coffee; I'll have the latter.
John and Mary were both considered; the latter was selected.
Between speed and accuracy, he values the latter more.
Learner examples
I like apples and bananas. I like the latter more.
Szeretem az almát és a banánt. Az utóbbit jobban szeretem.
We have two cars. The latter is faster.
Két autónk van. Az utóbbi gyorsabb.
You can take the bus or train. The latter is cheaper.
We saw cats and dogs. The latter were bigger.
He spoke about summer and winter. The latter is colder.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'latter' with 'later'. 'Latter' refers to order in a list, while 'later' refers to time.
Meaning
Second of two mentioned
Collocations
the former and the latter
|choose the latter
|prefer the latter
Synonyms
second (A direct numerical term; less formal and less context-dependent than 'latter'.)
|
last-mentioned (Specifically refers to the most recently mentioned item.)
Antonyms
former (Refers to the first of two people or things mentioned, opposite of 'latter'.)
Themes
language
|comparison
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The second of two people or things that you talked about before.
Referring to the second of two people, things, or options that have just been mentioned.
B2
2
Usage pattern:
in the latter [part/stages/years] of [something]
She achieved great success in the latter part of her career.
Pályafutása késői szakaszában nagy sikereket ért el.
The latter stages of the project required intense focus.
A projekt későbbi szakaszai erős összpontosítást igényeltek.
During the latter half of the century, technology advanced rapidly.
He became more reflective in his latter years.
The disease worsens in its latter stages.
Learner examples
I met him in the latter part of the year.
Az év későbbi részében találkoztam vele.
The latter days of summer are hot here.
A nyár késői napjai itt forróak.
She traveled a lot in her latter years.
We worked hard in the latter stages of the job.
The latter part of the movie was exciting.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'latter' with 'later'; here it refers to position in time within a period, not after something else happens.
Meaning
Near the end of a period
Collocations
latter part
|latter stages
|latter years
Synonyms
final (Refers to the very end; 'latter' suggests closer to the end but not necessarily final.)
|
closing (Emphasizes winding down toward an end.)
Antonyms
early (Refers to the beginning part of a period, opposite in time reference to 'latter'.)
Themes
time
|history
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Happening near the end of a period of time.
Happening or existing towards the end of a particular period or sequence.
Grammar
Dictionary form
latter
IPA
GB/lˈætɚ/
US/lˈætɚ/
Syllables & stress
lat - ter (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (lat)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: latter
Word family
Expressions
in the latter part of
1/ˈɪn ðə lˈætɚ pˈɑɹt əv/
fixed phrase
During final portion of period
During the last part of a time period.
Examples
- In the latter part of his life, he moved to the countryside.
- The team played better in the latter part of the season.
the former and the latter
1/ðə fˈɔɹmɚ ˈænd ðə lˈætɚ/
fixed phrase
First and second mentioned items
Used to talk about the first thing and the second thing you said before.
Examples
- We considered Paris and London; the former is romantic, the latter is lively.
- Tea and coffee are available; the former is calming, while the latter is energizing.