Former vs. Latter — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Former and Latter are both used to refer back to two things mentioned previously. "Former" refers to the first item, and "Latter" refers to the second.
Difference Between Former and Latter
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Key Differences
Former is a term that helps identify the first of two previously mentioned items. It's a way to look back and specify which part of a pair is being talked about when two things are listed.
On the other hand, Latter identifies the second item in a list of two previously mentioned items. It serves the same purpose as "former," but it points to the second entity instead of the first.
Both Former and Latter function as adjectives and are specifically used when referring to a duo of items, events, or persons that have been mentioned in prior text or conversation. They help avoid repetition and bring clarity.
Using Former or Latter incorrectly can result in confusion. If you say, "I like coffee and tea, but the latter is my favorite," you're indicating a preference for tea. If you were to mistakenly use "former," you'd be saying you prefer coffee.
While Former and Latter are specific to two-item lists, for lists with more than two items, one would typically avoid these terms and instead clarify which item is being referred to, by repeating the item’s name or using another descriptor.
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Comparison Chart
List Position
Refers to the first item
Refers to the second item
Meaning
The first of two
The second of two
Type of Word
Adjective
Adjective
Use in Lists
Only in two-item lists
Only in two-item lists
Example
"The former point is crucial."
"The latter point is trivial."
Compare with Definitions
Former
Indicates the first element in a contrasting pair.
Between hope and fear, the former wins.
Latter
Pertaining to the second of two mentioned things.
In cats and dogs, dogs are the latter.
Former
Pertaining to the first of two mentioned things.
In cats and dogs, cats are the former.
Latter
Indicates the second element in a contrasting pair.
Between hope and fear, the latter wins.
Former
Used to describe someone's earlier status or role.
The former president spoke at the event.
Latter
Occurring or situated nearer to the end.
In the latter part of the year, it gets colder.
Former
Preceding in time; earlier.
Former generations had different challenges.
Latter
Of or relating to the more recent period.
He has been happier in latter days.
Former
A former is an object, such as a template, gauge or cutting die, which is used to form something such as a boat's hull. Typically, a former gives shape to a structure that may have complex curvature.
Latter
The second mentioned of two.
Of summer and winter, the latter is cold.
Former
One that forms; a maker or creator
A former of ideas.
Latter
Occurring or situated nearer to the end of something than to the beginning
Heart disease dogged his latter years
The latter half of 1989
Former
A member of a school form
A fifth former.
Latter
Denoting the second or second mentioned of two people or things
The President appoints the Prime Minister and, on the latter's advice, the rest of the government
The Russians could advance into either Germany or Austria—they chose the latter option
Former
The first of two persons or things mentioned
"The army was pulling itself together, the government was coming apart. The success of the former was continually imperiled by the failure of the latter" (Garry Wills).
Latter
Being the second of two persons or things mentioned
Regarding captain and major, the latter rank is higher.
Former
Relating to or taking place in the past
In former times.
Latter
Near or nearer to the end
The latter part of the book.
Former
Having been so in the past
A former ambassador.
His former boss.
Latter
Further advanced in time or sequence; later
A style that has been revived in latter times.
Former
Being the first of two mentioned.
Latter
The second of two persons or things mentioned.
Former
Previous.
A former president;
The former East Germany
Latter
Relating to or being the second of two items.
Former
First of aforementioned two items. Used with the, often without a noun.
The former is a good idea but the latter is not.
We have two cars, a red one and a blue one. We won the former on a game show.
Latter
Near (or nearer) to the end.
Former
Someone who forms something; a maker; a creator or founder.
Dave was the former of the company.
Latter
In the past, but close (or closer) to the present time.
Former
An object used to form something, such as a template, gauge, or cutting die.
The brick arch was built using a wooden former.
Latter
Later; more recent; coming or happening after something else; - opposed to former; as, the former and latter rain.
Former
Someone in, or of, a certain form (class).
Latter
Of two things, the one mentioned second.
The difference between reason and revelation, and in what sense the latter is superior.
Former
One who forms; a maker; a creator.
Latter
Recent; modern.
Hath not navigation discovered in these latter ages, whole nations at the bay of Soldania?
Former
A shape around which an article is to be shaped, molded, woven wrapped, pasted, or otherwise constructed.
Latter
Last; latest; final.
Former
Preceding in order of time; antecedent; previous; prior; earlier; hence, ancient; long past.
For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age.
The latter and former rain.
Latter
The second of two or the second mentioned of two;
Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the latter is remembered today
Former
Near the beginning; preceeding; as, the former part of a discourse or argument.
Latter
Referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several);
In the latter case
Former
Earlier, as between two things mentioned together; first mentioned.
A bad author deserves better usage than a bad critic; a man may be the former merely through the misfortune of an ill judgment; but he can not be latter without both that and an ill temper.
Former
The first of two or the first mentioned of two;
Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the former is remembered today
Former
Referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several);
The novel was made into a film in 1943 and again in 1967; I prefer the former version to the latter one
Former
Belonging to some prior time;
Erstwhile friend
Our former glory
The once capital of the state
Her quondam lover
Former
(used especially of persons) of the immediate past;
The former president
Our late President is still very active
The previous occupant of the White House
Former
Of the distant past;
The early inhabitants of Europe
Former generations
In other times
Former
Of or relating to a previous period or era.
In former times, this was a forest.
Common Curiosities
What does Former mean?
"Former" refers to the first of two previously mentioned items.
Can I use Former for more than two items?
No, "former" is specifically for two-item lists.
Is Former used in legal contexts?
Yes, it is often used for clarity.
Is Latter commonly used in academic texts?
Yes, it's commonly used for its preciseness.
Are there synonyms for Former?
"First" could be a synonym, but it lacks the specific two-item context.
Are Former and Latter interchangeable?
No, they specify different items in a two-item list.
Can Latter be used for more than two items?
No, "latter" is also specifically for two-item lists.
Are Former and Latter formal language?
They are standard English but often appear in formal writing.
What does Latter mean?
"Latter" refers to the second of two previously mentioned items.
Are Former and Latter nouns or adjectives?
Both are adjectives.
Can Latter refer to time periods?
Yes, as in "the latter part of the year."
Can Former and Latter be pluralized?
Generally not, as they refer to specific items in a two-item list.
Are there synonyms for Latter?
"Second" could be a synonym but lacks the specific two-item context.
Can Former refer to time periods?
Yes, as in "former years."
How do I know when to use Former or Latter?
Use "former" for the first item and "latter" for the second in a two-item list.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
