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Definition latter in British English

latter adjective, pronoun

adjective, pronoun
/ˈlætə(r)/

Latter can be used in the following ways:

as an adjective (only before a noun): the latter half of 1996He considered his students either geniuses or idiots, and I fell into the latter category.

as a pronoun (after ‘the’): Given a choice between Tahiti and Hawaii, I’d prefer the latter.

1

used for referring to the second of two people, things, or groups that have just been mentioned

Example

He did well in both schoolwork and sport and won a number of medals in the latter (=in sport).

Example

Two treaties were signed, in 1990 and 1998, but only the latter agreement was considered valid.

2

used for describing the later part of a period of time

Example

She maintained her interest in Latin during her latter years.

Example

Total profit was £550 million in the latter half of 2003.

Synonyms and related words
Definition latter in British English