later

[ lei-ter ]

adjective

1. a comparative of late ( def ):

   Her later years were not happy.

adverb

1. a comparative of late ( def ):

   The meeting ran later than we expected.

2. afterward, subsequently, or at a time in the future (sometimes followed by on ):

   She later said she was sorry. I'll see you later. Let's decide about this later on.

later

/ ˈleɪtə /

adjective

1. the comparative of late

adverb

1. afterwards; subsequently
2. see you later
   an expression of farewell
3. sooner or later
   eventually; inevitably

Word History and Origins

Origin of later¹

First recorded before 900; lat(e) ( def ) + -er ⁴( def ) for the adjective; lat(e) ( def ) + -er ⁵( def ) for the adverb

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with later , also see sooner or later . Also see under late .

Example Sentences

“Depending on what the business is, you may need to progress from there at a later date.”

From Salon

Hunter was not due to be sentenced until later this month.

From BBC

A Christmas special is scheduled to air later this month.

From BBC

A few months later, “My So-Called Life” was named best drama series of the 1994-95 season by the Television Critics Association.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2013, members announced their breakup; a year later, they released a greatest hits collection titled “May Death Never Stop You.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• afterward
• again
• next
• subsequently
• thereafter