the latter

noun

1

: the second one of two things or people that have been mentioned

Of these two options, the former is less expensive, while the latter is less risky.

2

: the last thing or person mentioned

Of chicken, fish, and meat, I like the latter best.

3

: the thing or person that has just been mentioned

The President—or, if the latter is too busy, the Vice President—will see you shortly.

Examples of the latter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The gruff verses in the latter still convey the sense that Shinoda thrives with an alternatingly coarser and softer vocal counterpart. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024

To the latter, the realization that simply removing human agency from the handling of our affairs has been enough to solve our most intractable problems might reveal too explicitly the shortcomings of human design. —Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024

In the former, Democrat Jerry McNerney bested Republican Jim Shoemaker, and in the latter, Democrat Jesse Arreguin prevailed over Democratic Socialist Jovanka Beckles. Propositions 32 and 34, meanwhile, had yet to be called with 93 percent of votes counted. —Jason Green, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024

This box can push 60fps in both F1 and Call of Duty on the highest settings—even at 2K resolution in the case of the latter. —PCMAG, 16 Nov. 2024