adverb / adjective

later

After a particular time or nearer the end of a period.

The later train gives us more time to pack.

Etymology

The comparative ending places something farther toward the late end. Later therefore means after another time or nearer the end of a period.

More examples

  • I'll call you later this afternoon.
  • She arrives a few minutes later than her brother.
  • The later chapters explain how the machine works.

Forms

later

Similar words

afterward
Means after an event; unlike later, cannot modify nouns.
subsequent
Modifies nouns to indicate something following in time or order.