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later

adj.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈɫeɪtɝ// UK //lˈeɪtɐ// lat·er General-service Slang

adj. happening or coming after the expected time, or near the end of a period of time. You use it to describe the second of two things or a version that comes after an earlier one.

adj. occurring or existing after a particular time, or toward the end of a period. Often used to distinguish a subsequent stage or version from an earlier one.


SIMPLE

The later train is usually less crowded.

CONTEXTUAL

The artist's later paintings are much more abstract than the realistic portraits he created as a young man.

COMPLEX

While the early chapters of the book focus on the protagonist's childhood, the later sections explore the complex political landscape of his adult life in the capital.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

* Adverb: From Middle English later, latere, from Old English lator, equivalent to late + -er. * Adjective: From Middle English later, latere, from Old English lætra, equivalent to late + -er. Cognate with Saterland Frisian leeter (“later”), West Frisian letter (“later”), Dutch later (“later”), German Low German later (“later”).

Usage

Typically functions as an attributive adjective placed before the noun it modifies.

Pitfall

the later version is more betterthe later version is betterLearners sometimes treat 'later' as a comparative trigger for the following adjective, but it only modifies the noun's timing.

Idioms2 entries

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