latter

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the second of two or the second mentioned of two

   Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the latter is remembered today

2. 2
   adj

   Relating to or being the second of two items.

   The archaic past participle shapen is only used in misshapen, ill-shapen, and well-shapen (the latter two are much less common, though).

3. 3
   adj

   Near (or nearer) to the end.

   the latter part of the century

4. 4
   adj

   In the past, but close (or closer) to the present time.

   In his latter years my dad became very absent-minded.

5. 5
   adj

   referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

Etymology

From Old English lætra, comparative form of læt (“late”). Doublet of later; also, cognate with last, whose doublet is latest.