Latter vs. Letter — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 16, 2024
"Latter" refers to the second of two things mentioned, while "letter" is a written communication or a character in an alphabet.
Difference Between Latter and Letter
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Latter" is used to indicate the second of two items mentioned in a text or conversation, emphasizing a preference or distinction between them. Whereas "letter" refers to a form of written communication sent from one person to another, or it can mean a character used in writing an alphabet, like the letters A, B, C.
In terms of usage, "latter" is primarily a determiner or pronoun, used in a comparative context to reference the second of two subjects previously mentioned. On the other hand, "letter" is a noun that can signify a physical document or an element of a written language, showcasing its versatility in language.
The origin of "latter" traces back to Old English, relating to being "later" or towards the end, indicating position or preference in sequence. Whereas "letter" comes from the Old French "letre," which itself derives from the Latin "littera," meaning a written character, highlighting its longstanding association with written communication.
Understanding the distinction between "latter" and "letter" is crucial for clear communication. Using "latter" correctly can clarify references in discussions or texts, while "letter" encompasses a broad range of meanings from alphabet characters to forms of correspondence.
Both terms play significant roles in English but operate in different domains: "latter" in specifying order and preference, and "letter" in the realm of written language and communication. This distinction is fundamental to their application and understanding in both spoken and written English.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Indicates the second of two items mentioned.
A written message or an alphabet character.
Part of Speech
Determiner, Pronoun
Noun
Usage Context
Comparative, to specify preference or order.
Communication, language elements.
Origin
Old English, related to "later."
Old French "letre," Latin "littera" for character.
Example
"Between coffee and tea, I prefer the latter."
"She wrote a letter to her friend."
Compare with Definitions
Latter
Referring to the second of two things mentioned.
In the choice between biking and walking, he chose the latter.
Letter
An alphabet character.
The letter B is the second in the English alphabet.
Latter
Used in comparisons or discussions.
Of the two proposals, the latter was more appealing.
Letter
Fundamental to written language.
Learning to write letters is a basic skill in education.
Latter
Indicates preference or order.
Given the options of vanilla and chocolate, she always picks the latter.
Letter
A written form of communication.
He received a letter from an old friend.
Latter
Operates in a specific context.
Between the morning and afternoon sessions, the latter was more productive.
Letter
Can signify different types of messages.
The company sent out a letter of apology.
Latter
Helps clarify references in text.
The article discussed lions and tigers; the latter are native to Asia.
Letter
Used in various forms of writing.
She carefully chose each letter for the invitation.
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
Letter
A character representing one or more of the sounds used in speech; any of the symbols of an alphabet
A capital letter
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
Letter
A written, typed, or printed communication, sent in an envelope by post or messenger
He sent a letter to Mrs Falconer
Latter
Being the second of two persons or things mentioned
Regarding captain and major, the latter rank is higher.
Letter
The precise terms of a statement or requirement; the strict verbal interpretation
We must keep the spirit of the law as well as the letter
The officer in the incident got in trouble for following the letter of the law
Latter
Near or nearer to the end
The latter part of the book.
Letter
Literature
The world of letters
Latter
Further advanced in time or sequence; later
A style that has been revived in latter times.
Letter
A style of typeface.
Latter
The second of two persons or things mentioned.
Letter
Inscribe letters or writing on
Her name was lettered in gold
Latter
Relating to or being the second of two items.
Letter
Be given a school or college initial as a mark of proficiency in sport
In high school she lettered in soccer, basketball and softball
Latter
Near (or nearer) to the end.
Letter
A written symbol or character representing a speech sound and being a component of an alphabet.
Latter
In the past, but close (or closer) to the present time.
Letter
A written symbol or character used in the graphemic representation of a word, such as the h in Thames. See Note at Thames.
Latter
Later; more recent; coming or happening after something else; - opposed to former; as, the former and latter rain.
Letter
A written or printed communication directed to a person or organization.
Latter
Of two things, the one mentioned second.
The difference between reason and revelation, and in what sense the latter is superior.
Letter
Often letters A certified document granting rights to its bearer.
Latter
Recent; modern.
Hath not navigation discovered in these latter ages, whole nations at the bay of Soldania?
Letter
Literal meaning
Had to adhere to the letter of the law.
Latter
Last; latest; final.
Letter
Literary culture; belles-lettres.
Latter
The second of two or the second mentioned of two;
Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the latter is remembered today
Letter
Learning or knowledge, especially of literature.
Latter
Referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several);
In the latter case
Letter
Literature or writing as a profession.
Letter
A piece of type that prints a single character.
Letter
A specific style of type.
Letter
The characters in one style of type.
Letter
An emblem in the shape of the initial of a school awarded for outstanding performance, especially in varsity athletics.
Letter
To write letters on
Lettered the paper.
Letter
To write in letters
Lettered our name on the mailbox.
Letter
To write or form letters.
Letter
To earn a school letter, as for outstanding athletic achievement
She lettered in three collegiate sports.
Letter
A symbol in an alphabet.
There are twenty-six letters in the English alphabet.
Letter
A written or printed communication, generally longer and more formal than a note.
I wrote a letter to my sister about my life.
Letter
The literal meaning of something, as distinguished from its intended and remoter meaning (the spirit).
Letter
Literature.
Benjamin Franklin was multiskilled – a scientist, politician and a man of letters.
Letter
(law) A division unit of a piece of law marked by a letter of the alphabet.
Letter (b) constitutes an exception to this provision.
Letter
A size of paper, 8½ in × 11 in (215.9 mm × 279.4 mm, US paper sizes rounded to the nearest 5 mm).
Letter
A size of paper, 215 mm × 280 mm.
Letter
Clipping of varsity letter
Letter
A single type; type, collectively; a style of type.
Letter
(archaic) One who retards or hinders.
Letter
(transitive) To print, inscribe, or paint letters on something.
Letter
To earn a varsity letter (award).
Letter
One who lets or permits; one who lets anything for hire.
Letter
One who retards or hinders.
Letter
A mark or character used as the representative of a sound, or of an articulation of the human organs of speech; a first element of written language.
And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew.
Letter
A written or printed communication; a message expressed in intelligible characters on something adapted to conveyance, as paper, parchment, etc.; an epistle.
The style of letters ought to be free, easy, and natural.
Letter
A writing; an inscription.
None could expound what this letter meant.
Letter
Verbal expression; literal statement or meaning; exact signification or requirement.
We must observe the letter of the law, without doing violence to the reason of the law and the intention of the lawgiver.
I broke the letter of it to keep the sense.
Letter
A single type; type, collectively; a style of type.
Under these buildings . . . was the king's printing house, and that famous letter so much esteemed.
Letter
Learning; erudition; as, a man of letters.
Letter
A letter; an epistle.
Letter
A telegram longer than an ordinary message sent at rates lower than the standard message rate in consideration of its being sent and delivered subject to priority in service of regular messages. Such telegrams are called by the Western Union Company day letters, or night letters according to the time of sending, and by The Postal Telegraph Company day lettergrams, or night lettergrams.
A strange lock that opens with AMEN.
Letter
To impress with letters; to mark with letters or words; as, a book gilt and lettered.
Letter
A written message addressed to a person or organization;
Mailed an indignant letter to the editor
Letter
The conventional characters of the alphabet used to represent speech;
His grandmother taught him his letters
Letter
A strictly literal interpretation (as distinct from the intention);
He followed instructions to the letter
He obeyed the letter of the law
Letter
An award earned by participation in a school sport;
He won letters in three sports
Letter
Owner who lets another person use something (housing usually) for hire
Letter
Win an athletic letter
Letter
Set down or print with letters
Letter
Mark letters on or mark with letters
Common Curiosities
How do you use "latter" correctly in a sentence?
"Latter" is used to refer back to the second of two items mentioned, for example, "Of apples and oranges, I prefer the latter."
What does "latter" mean?
"Latter" refers to the second of two things or persons mentioned in a discussion or text.
What is the importance of letters in language?
Letters are the fundamental building blocks of written languages, forming words and conveying meaning.
Is "latter" used only in written English?
No, "latter" is used in both written and spoken English to refer to the second of two discussed items.
Can "letter" also refer to something other than communication?
Yes, "letter" can also refer to an individual character in an alphabet, such as the letter A.
How is "letter" used in legal contexts?
In legal contexts, "letter" can refer to formal communications, such as a letter of intent or a letter of agreement.
What is a "letter" in the context of communication?
In communication, a "letter" is a written message from one person to another.
Can "letter" have a plural form, and what does it mean?
Yes, "letters" can refer to multiple written messages or multiple characters of an alphabet.
Can "latter" refer to more than two items?
No, "latter" specifically refers to the second of two items; for more than two, terms like "last" are more appropriate.
What is the difference between "latter" and "later"?
"Latter" refers to the second of two items, while "later" is an adjective or adverb indicating time after a point.
Can "latter" be used to indicate preference?
Yes, "latter" can implicitly indicate a preference for the second of two options mentioned.
How do electronic communications impact the use of "letter"?
While electronic communications have evolved, the term "letter" still applies to emails and other forms of digital written communication.
Is there a specific format for writing a letter?
Yes, letters typically follow specific formats, including formal and informal styles, depending on the purpose and recipient.
What are synonyms for "latter"?
Synonyms for "latter" include "second mentioned," "second of the two," and "the second option."
Are handwritten letters still relevant today?
Yes, despite the prevalence of digital communication, handwritten letters remain valued for their personal touch and sentimental value.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
