later
Often confused with latter
- 1After another time, or after the usual or expected time.
The bus came later than usual this morning.
She finished the test later than the rest of her class.
UsageTwo years later means after another time or event; two years ago means before now.
Similarafterwards, afterward
- 2At some time in the future, but not a set time.
I'll call you later about the weekend plans.
We can finish cleaning the kitchen later.
UsageSay I'll do it later. After usually needs more words, as in after lunch.
Oppositenow
- 3Coming after something else, or happening at a time in the future.
The later flight gives us more time to pack.
We picked a later date for the party so more friends could come.
UsageNot the same as latter, meaning the second of two: a later date.
- 4Coming near the end of a time, a person's life or their working life, not near the start.
My grandmother took up painting in later life.
The singer's later songs are slower and sadder than her first hits.
UsageOften in in later life or later years, and used with early: early and later songs.
Less common meanings
- 5
- 6After going a certain distance along the way.
We left the highway, and two miles later the cabin appeared.
The trail climbed steeply, and a few hundred feet later it leveled off.
UsagePut the distance first: two miles later.
Note
- 7'What if' or 'or else': used to express concern that something bad or unexpected might happen.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
From Old English, made from "late" plus "-er".
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Later derives from Old English. en.wiktionary.org
- Later is formed from late plus the comparative suffix -er. en.wiktionary.org