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 former is a matter of faith; the latter are empirical realities. —Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2024

But its economic leverage over South Korea is low, even more so since Seoul joined other democracies in sanctioning Russia after the latter’s invasion of Ukraine, and its international credibility is in tatters. —Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024

Another memory involves actor Dan Aykroyd from Saturday Night Live, who famously impersonated President Carter on the show during the latter’s White House years. —Arthur Milnes, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024

Trump on Carter Trump has referenced the 39th president on multiple occasions, including on the latter's 100th birthday in October at a rally in Waunakee, Wisconsin. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024