Later

/ˈleɪ.tə/ · adverb

Meaning

comparative form of late: more late.

Definitions by Sense

1. comparative form of late: more late
2. Afterward in time (used with than when comparing with another time).
3. At some unspecified time in the future.
4. (Manglish, Singlish) What if (something problematic or unanticipated happens); if not (something undesirable will happen).
5. Coming afterward in time (used with than when comparing with another time).
6. Coming afterward in distance (following an antecedent distance as embedded within an adverbial phrase)
7. At some time in the future.
8. (slang) See you later; goodbye.

Example Sentences

You came in late yesterday and today you came in even later.

My roommate arrived first. I arrived later.

I arrived later than my roommate.

I wanted to do it now, but I’ll have to do it later.

Compare Malay nanti (“later; if not”)

Later you fall asleep how?

Jim was later than John.

The Victorian era is a later period of English history than the Elizabethan era.

Synonyms for later

Antonyms for later

Related Words

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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