What is the difference between latter and second?

Definitions

latter

- Referring to the second of two things or options previously mentioned.

- Talking about the last item in a list of two or more items.

- Describing the final part of a discussion or argument.

second

- Referring to the number two in a sequence.

- Talking about the next item in a list of two or more items.

- Describing a unit of time equal to 1/60th of a minute.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both latter and second refer to something that comes after another thing.
• 2. Both words are used to indicate a specific position in a sequence.
• 3. Both words can be used as adjectives, nouns, and pronouns.

What is the difference?

• 1. Position: Latter refers to the second of two things previously mentioned, while second can refer to any item in a sequence.
• 2. Function: Latter is used to distinguish between two things, while second can be used to describe any item in a list or sequence.
• 3. Time: Second can also refer to a unit of time, while latter does not have this meaning.
• 4. Usage: Latter is more formal and less commonly used than second, which is more versatile and can be used in various contexts.

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Remember this!

While latter and second both refer to something that comes after another thing, they differ in their position, function, time, usage, and etymology. Latter is more formal and less commonly used, while second is more versatile and can be used in various contexts.