Difference Between Former and Latter

Former and Latter: Most of us misinterpret the words “former” and “latter” and misuse them since they look similar. They are opposite words and have different meanings and usages. Both of them are adjectives that are used to modify nouns. In this article, we learn about the difference between “former” and “latter.”

Former vs Latter

Meaning of “Former”

The word “former” is an adjective, which refers to the previous, to describe someone who was in a particular job in the past, or to describe something that existed in the past. “The former” is a noun, which refers to the first of the things that were mentioned in the list.

Usage of “Former”

The word “former” is used as an adjective. It is used to refer to “previous,” to describe someone who was in a particular job in the past, or to describe something that existed in the past. “The former” is a noun, which is used to refer to the first of two people, things, or groups that were mentioned.

• This is Mona and Lisa. The former one is my sister. Here, “the former” is a noun and refers to the first of two people mentioned.
• Nimo was the former manager of this store. Here, “former” refers to the previous.

Examples

• They were his former students.
• He was the former captain of our basketball team.
• I like the two outfits, but the former one looks better.
• My mother was a former singer and was best known for it.

Meaning of “Latter”

The word “latter” is an adjective, which refers to the nearer-to-the-end of something. “The latter” is a noun, which refers to the last of the things that were mentioned in the list.

Usage of “Latter”

The word “latter” is an adjective, which is used to modify a noun. It is used to refer to the nearer-to-the-end of something. “The latter” is a noun, which is used to refer to the second of the two people, things, or groups that were mentioned or the last mentioned of more than two people, things, or groups. 

• This is Ahmed and Zain. The latter is my cousin, who came from the US. Here, “the latter” is a noun and refers to the second of the two people mentioned.
• The latter part of the play was quite interesting. Here, “latter” refers to nearer the end of the play.

Examples

• Umi knows how to swim and skate, but she is best at the latter.
• Out of the two presentations, everyone liked the latter one.
• The latter part of the solution is complex and has many formulae.
• Although we have three stores in this city, the latter brings us more profits.

Difference between the Former and the Latter

Former	Latter
The word “former” is an adjective, which refers to the previous.	The word “latter” is an adjective, which refers to the nearer-to-the-end of something.
“The former” is a noun, which refers to the first of the things that were mentioned in the list.	“The latter” is a noun, which refers to the last of the things that were mentioned in the list.
Synonyms: Previous, past, erstwhile, prior, ex-, earlier, bygone, whilom, etc.	Synonyms: Later, hindmost, concluding, final, last, end, recent, latest, etc.
Antonyms: After, future, next, latter, modern, ensuing, following, etc.	Antonyms: First, foremost, earliest, former, prior, initial, past, etc.
Examples: Slowly, our store is returning to its former glory. We saw Emily talking with her former husband last night.	Examples:  Of the two neckpieces, the latter is the more expensive. Maria was born in the latter half of 1975.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the differences between “former” and “latter,” as well as their meaning and usage, with examples. Both of them aren’t synonymous, have entirely different meanings, and can’t be used interchangeably. Remember that “former” refers to the first, while “latter” refers to the last.