latter
I have two cars: a red one and a blue one. The latter is faster.
The second car mentioned (blue one) is faster.
The second of two things mentioned or implied
She offered tea or coffee; I chose the latter.
I chose coffee (the second option mentioned).
The former is expensive; the latter is affordable.
The second option is affordable.
Used to refer to the second of two items in a sequence. Opposite of 'former'.
Relating to the end part of a period or process
In the latter half of the century, technology advanced rapidly.
During the second half of the century, technology advanced rapidly.
Often used in academic or formal writing to describe the end period of something.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Avoid ambiguity
Always pair 'latter' with 'former' to clarify you're referring to two distinct items. For example: 'I like apples and oranges; the former is sweet, the latter is tart.'
Gold Rule
Pair with 'former'
Use 'latter' only when contrasting with 'former' to avoid confusion. Without context, 'latter' may be unclear.
Not interchangeable with 'later'
'Latter' refers to position in a sequence, while 'later' refers to time. Compare: 'the latter option' (second option) vs. 'a later date' (a future date).
Word Origin
From Middle English 'latter' (comparative of 'late'), from Old English 'lætra' (slower, later), from Proto-Germanic '*lētaiz' (slower), related to 'late'. The sense of 'second of two' developed in Middle English.
Usage Notes
Always used in contrast with 'former' when referring to two items. Never used alone unless the context clearly implies a pair. Avoid using 'latter' to mean 'recent' (use 'latest' instead).