later

/ˈleɪtər/

adverb★Beginner

informal

at a time in the future

Let's talk about this later.

The speaker suggests discussing the topic at a later time.

💡

Often used to politely postpone a conversation or action.

Collocations

see you latera common way to say goodbyetalk laterto discuss something at a future time

see you laterphrase

a casual way to say goodbye

Use 'later' to politely delay a conversation or action without being rude.

The meaning of 'later' depends on the context—it can refer to a short or long time in the future.

From Middle English 'latter', from Old English 'lǣtra' (comparative of 'lǣt', meaning 'late').

Can be used as an adverb or noun (e.g., 'the later years of his life').

late

happening after the expected or usual time

root

-er

comparative suffix

suffix

English Dictionary