Lastly vs. Last — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 22, 2023
Lastly refers to the final point or item in a series, while Last can mean the final item, the most recent, or to endure.
Difference Between Lastly and Last
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Key Differences
Lastly and Last are both terms associated with the concept of an end or conclusion, but they function differently in sentences. Lastly is an adverb that typically signifies the final point or item when listing or enumerating things. For instance, when providing a list of reasons or points, one might conclude with "lastly" to signal the concluding point.
Last, on the other hand, has a broader range of meanings and uses. As an adjective, it denotes the final item in a sequence. As an adverb, it can mean the most recent occasion or after all others. Additionally, Last can also be used as a verb, signifying endurance or continuation over a period. This multifunctional nature of Last sets it apart from the more specific usage of Lastly.
In everyday communication, one might use Lastly when presenting the final item in a series, such as in presentations or explanations. Conversely, Last is employed in varied contexts, such as describing the final train of the evening, the most recent event, or the duration something continues. This versatility of Last showcases its diverse applications compared to Lastly.
To emphasize, while both words revolve around the idea of finality, their roles in speech and writing are distinct. Lastly primarily serves to highlight the end of a list or sequence, whereas Last possesses broader applications, from describing order and recency to indicating duration.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective, Adverb, Verb
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Common Usage
Concluding point in a list
Final item, most recent, or to endure
Position in Sentence
Usually at the beginning of a sentence or clause
Can be used flexibly based on its function in the sentence
Versatility
Specific to indicating a final point in a sequence
Broad range of meanings and uses
Examples
"Lastly, we must consider the budget."
"She was the last to leave." "When did you last see him?"
Compare with Definitions
Lastly
The final point in an enumeration.
Lastly, ensure you double-check your answers.
Last
Final in a sequence.
She sat in the last row.
Lastly
Introducing the final item in a sequence.
Lastly, the dessert will be served.
Last
Most recent in time.
I saw him last week.
Lastly
Indicating the ultimate reason or point.
Lastly, this method is environmentally friendly.
Last
Remaining after all others.
He was the last person I expected.
Lastly
The end remark in a discourse.
Lastly, always stay positive.
Last
Enduring or continuing over time.
These boots will last for years.
Lastly
To conclude a series or list.
Lastly, I'd like to thank my family.
Last
A last is a mechanical form shaped like a human foot. It is used by shoemakers and cordwainers in the manufacture and repair of shoes.
Lastly
Being, coming, or placed after all others; final
The last game of the season.
Last
Being, coming, or placed after all others; final
The last game of the season.
Lastly
Being the only one left
His last nickel.
As a last resort.
Last
Being the only one left
His last nickel.
As a last resort.
Lastly
Just past; most recent
Last year.
The last time I checked.
Last
Just past; most recent
Last year.
The last time I checked.
Lastly
Most up-to-date; newest
The last thing in swimwear.
Last
Most up-to-date; newest
The last thing in swimwear.
Lastly
Highest in extent or degree; utmost
To the last measure of human endurance.
Last
Highest in extent or degree; utmost
To the last measure of human endurance.
Lastly
Most valid, authoritative, or conclusive
The arbiter will have the last say in resolving this dispute.
Last
Most valid, authoritative, or conclusive
The arbiter will have the last say in resolving this dispute.
Lastly
Least likely or expected
The last person we would have suspected.
Last
Least likely or expected
The last person we would have suspected.
Lastly
The least desirable or suitable
The last man for the job.
Last
The least desirable or suitable
The last man for the job.
Lastly
Being the latest possible
Waited until the last second before boarding the train.
Last
Being the latest possible
Waited until the last second before boarding the train.
Lastly
Lowest in rank or importance
Last prize.
Last place.
Last
Lowest in rank or importance
Last prize.
Last place.
Lastly
Used as an intensive
Every last dollar was donated to charity.
Last
Used as an intensive
Every last dollar was donated to charity.
Lastly
Of or relating to a terminal period or stage, as of life
The last days of the dinosaurs.
Last
Of or relating to a terminal period or stage, as of life
The last days of the dinosaurs.
Lastly
Administered just before death
The last sacraments.
Last
Administered just before death
The last sacraments.
Lastly
After all others in chronology or sequence
Arrived last.
Last
After all others in chronology or sequence
Arrived last.
Lastly
Most recently
A fashion last popular in the 1940s.
Last
Most recently
A fashion last popular in the 1940s.
Lastly
At the end; finally
Add the butter last.
Last
At the end; finally
Add the butter last.
Lastly
One that is at the end or last
The last to be chosen.
On every page but the last.
Last
One that is at the end or last
The last to be chosen.
On every page but the last.
Lastly
The end
Held out until the last.
Last
The end
Held out until the last.
Lastly
The final mention or appearance
Haven't seen the last of our troubles.
Last
The final mention or appearance
Haven't seen the last of our troubles.
Lastly
(sequence) Used to mark the beginning of the last in a list of items or propositions.
Firstly, that's illegal; secondly, it has serious disadvantages; thirdly, it's not necessary; and lastly, did I mention that it's illegal?
Last
A block or form shaped like a human foot and used in making or repairing shoes.
Lastly
(discourse marker) Used to signal that the speaker is about to yield control of the conversation.
Last
A unit of volume or weight varying for different commodities and in different districts, equal to about 80 bushels, 640 gallons, or 2 tons.
Lastly
In the last place; in conclusion.
Last
To continue in time; go on
The war lasted four years.
Lastly
At last; finally.
Last
To continue; survive
The patient is not expected to last much longer.
Lastly
The item at the end;
Last, I'll discuss family values
Last
To remain in good or usable condition
Produce lasts longer if it is refrigerated. I wanted a car that would last.
Last
To continue in force or practice
Wondered if the marriage would last.
Last
To remain in adequate supply
Will our water last?.
Last
To keep adequately supplied
Left enough bread to last the family for the weekend.
Last
To persist or endure for the entire length of; survive
Hoped to last the season without injuring her leg again.
Last
To mold or shape on a last.
Last
Final, ultimate, coming after all others of its kind.
“Eyes Wide Shut” was the last film to be directed by Stanley Kubrick.
Last
Most recent, latest, last so far.
The last time I saw him, he was married.
I have received your note dated the 17th last, and am responding to say that...}}.
Last
Farthest of all from a given quality, character, or condition; most unlikely, or least preferable.
He is the last person to be accused of theft.
The last person I want to meet is Helen.
More rain is the last thing we need right now.
Last
Being the only one remaining of its class.
Japan is the last empire.
Last
Supreme; highest in degree; utmost.
Last
Lowest in rank or degree.
The last prize
Last
The (one) immediately before the present.
We went there last year.
I was last to arrive.
Last
(of days of the week or months of the year) Closest in the past, or closest but one if the closest was very recent; of days, sometimes thought to specifically refer to the instance closest to seven days (one week) ago, or the most recent instance before seven days (one week) ago.
It's Wednesday, and the party was last Tuesday; that is, not yesterday, but eight days ago.
When you say last Monday, do you mean the Monday just gone, or the one before that?
Last
Most recently.
When we last met, he was based in Toronto.
Last
(sequence) after everything else; finally
I'll go last as I have to add the butter last.
Last but not least
Last
To perform, carry out.
Last
(intransitive) To endure, continue over time.
Summer seems to last longer each year.
They seem happy now, but that won't last long.
Last
(intransitive) To hold out, continue undefeated or entire.
I don't know how much longer we can last without reinforcements.
Last
To shape with a last; to fasten or fit to a last; to place smoothly on a last.
To last a boot
Last
A tool for shaping or preserving the shape of shoes.
Last
(obsolete) A burden; load; a cargo; freight.
Last
(obsolete) A measure of weight or quantity, varying in designation depending on the goods concerned.
Last
(obsolete) An old English (and Dutch) measure of the carrying capacity of a ship, equal to two tons.
Last
A load of some commodity with reference to its weight and commercial value.
Last
Of Last, to endure, contracted from lasteth.
Last
Being after all the others, similarly classed or considered, in time, place, or order of succession; following all the rest; final; hindmost; farthest; as, the last year of a century; the last man in a line of soldiers; the last page in a book; his last chance.
Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God.
Fairest of stars, last in the train of night.
Last
Next before the present; as, I saw him last week.
Last
Supreme; highest in degree; utmost.
Contending for principles of the last importance.
Last
Lowest in rank or degree; as, the a last place finish.
Last
Farthest of all from a given quality, character, or condition; most unlikely; having least fitness; as, he is the last person to be accused of theft.
And blunder on in business to the last.
Last
At a time or on an occasion which is the latest of all those spoken of or which have occurred; the last time; as, I saw him last in New York.
Last
In conclusion; finally; lastly.
Pleased with his idol, he commends, admires,Adores; and, last, the thing adored desires.
Last
At a time next preceding the present time.
How long is't now since last yourself and IWere in a mask ?
Last
To continue in time; to endure; to remain in existence.
[I] proffered me to be slave in all that she me would ordain while my life lasted.
Last
To endure use, or continue in existence, without impairment or exhaustion; as, this cloth lasts better than that; the fuel will last through the winter.
Last
To shape with a last; to fasten or fit to a last; to place smoothly on a last; as, to last a boot.
Last
A wooden block shaped like the human foot, on which boots and shoes are formed.
The cobbler is not to go beyond his last.
Last
A load; a heavy burden; hence, a certain weight or measure, generally estimated at 4,000 lbs., but varying for different articles and in different countries. In England, a last of codfish, white herrings, meal, or ashes, is twelve barrels; a last of corn, ten quarters, or eighty bushels, in some parts of England, twenty-one quarters; of gunpowder, twenty-four barrels, each containing 100 lbs; of red herrings, twenty cades, or 20,000; of hides, twelve dozen; of leather, twenty dickers; of pitch and tar, fourteen barrels; of wool, twelve sacks; of flax or feathers, 1,700 lbs.
Last
The burden of a ship; a cargo.
Last
The temporal end; the concluding time;
The stopping point of each round was signaled by a bell
The market was up at the finish
They were playing better at the close of the season
Last
The last or lowest in an ordering or series;
He was the last to leave
He finished an inglorious last
Last
A person's dying act; the last thing a person can do;
He breathed his last
Last
The time at which life ends; continuing until dead;
She stayed until his death
A struggle to the last
Last
A unit of weight equal to 4,000 pounds
Last
A unit of capacity for grain equal to 80 bushels
Last
The concluding parts of an event or occurrence;
The end was exciting
I had to miss the last of the movie
Last
Holding device shaped like a human foot that is used to fashion or repair shoes
Last
Persist or be long; in time;
The bad weather lasted for three days
Last
Continue to live; endure or last;
We went without water and food for 3 days
These superstitions survive in the backwaters of America
The racecar driver lived through several very serious accidents
Last
Immediately past;
Last Thursday
The last chapter we read
Last
Coming after all others in time or space or degree or being the only one remaining;
The last time I saw Paris
The last day of the month
Had the last word
Waited until the last minute
He raised his voice in a last supreme call
The last game of the season
Down to his last nickel
Going from sitting to standing without intermediate pushes with the hands
Intermediate stages in a process
Intermediate stops on the route
An intermediate level
Last
Occurring at or forming an end or termination;
His concluding words came as a surprise
The final chapter
The last days of the dinosaurs
Terminal leave
Last
Conclusive in a process or progression;
The final answer
A last resort
The net result
Last
Most unlikely or unsuitable;
The last person we would have suspected
The last man they would have chosen for the job
Last
Occurring at the time of death;
His last words
The last rites
Last
Not to be altered or undone;
The judge's decision is final
The arbiter will have the last say
Last
Lowest in rank or importance;
Last prize
In last place
Last
Highest in extent or degree;
To the last measure of human endurance
Whether they were accomplices in the last degree or a lesser one was...to be determined individually
Last
In accord with the most fashionable ideas or style;
Wears only the latest style
The last thing in swimwear
Knows the newest dances
Cutting-edge technology
A with-it boutique
Last
More recently than any other time;
I saw him last in London
Last
The item at the end;
Last, I'll discuss family values
Last
After all others in order.
She finished last in the race.
Common Curiosities
How is "Last" used to indicate time?
It can denote the most recent occurrence, like "last week."
Is "Lastly" used in formal contexts?
Yes, it's often used in presentations and formal writings.
How can "Last" indicate duration?
As a verb, e.g., "The movie lasted three hours."
Are Lastly and Last interchangeable?
Not always. "Lastly" is specific to concluding a list, while "Last" has varied meanings.
Is "Lastly" an adverb?
Yes, "Lastly" is an adverb.
Can "Last" function as a verb?
Yes, e.g., "The show lasted two hours."
Is "Lastly" limited to ending a series?
Primarily, yes. It highlights the final point or item.
Can "Last" be an adjective?
Yes, e.g., "He was the last speaker."
Can "Last" describe order?
Yes, as in "She came in last."
Can "Last" refer to a previous event?
Yes, e.g., "I visited Paris last year."
How is "Lastly" positioned in a sentence?
Often at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
Which word is more versatile?
"Last" is more versatile due to its broader range of meanings.
Is "Lastly" always followed by a comma?
Usually, especially when it introduces a new point or idea.
Does "Last" always denote finality?
Not always. It can also indicate recency or duration.
When should I use "Lastly" in a presentation?
When introducing the final point or topic.
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Written 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.