later

1. 1

   comparative form of late: more latecomparativeform-of

   • You came in late yesterday and today you came in even later.
2. 2

   Afterward in time (used with than when comparing with another time).

   • My roommate arrived first. I arrived later.
   • I arrived later than my roommate.
3. 3

   At some unspecified time in the future.

   • I wanted to do it now, but I’ll have to do it later.
4. 4

   What if (something problematic or unanticipated happens); if not (something undesirable will happen).ManglishSinglish

   • Compare Malay nanti (“later; if not”)
   • Later you fall asleep how?

syn. hereafter · someday

ant. earlier · once

1. 1

   comparative form of late: more latecomparativeform-of

   • Jim was later than John.
2. 2

   Coming afterward in time (used with than when comparing with another time).

   • The Victorian era is a later period of English history than the Elizabethan era.
3. 3

   Coming afterward in distance (following an antecedent distance as embedded within an adverbial phrase)

   • I felt some leg pain during the first mile of my run and I strained my calf two miles later.
4. 4

   At some time in the future.

   • The meeting was adjourned to a later date.

ant. earlier

1. 1

   See you later; goodbye.slang

   • Later, dude.