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

A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden shows that long-term use of common cardiovascular drugs is associated with lower risk of dementia later in life.

From Science Daily

He later confirmed two Sunday night Coachella dates for April 13 and 20.

From Los Angeles Times

He later moved to Zimbabwe and later South Africa, where he abused up to 100 boys aged 13 to 17, the review said.

From BBC

He later became the overall editor of the paper.

From BBC

Some of the genetic instructions involved in orchestrating this early developmental process are the same ones implicated in osteoarthritis decades later.

From BBC

Related Words

• afterward
• again
• next
• subsequently
• thereafter