How to pronounce latter
Say it like LAT-er. Latter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce latter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAT
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Latter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of latter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: LAT-uh.
What does latter mean?
- referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)“in the latter case”
- the second of two or the second mentioned of two“Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the latter is remembered today”
Where does latter come from?
From Middle English latter, lattere, lattre, from Old English lætra, comparative form of læt (“late”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with latter
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of latter.
Questions about saying latter
How do you pronounce latter?
Say LAT-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈlætɚ/. In British English it is /ˈlætə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in latter?
Latter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAT). Broken into parts: LAT · er.
Is latter pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈlætə/ (LAT-uh).