last

1
[ last, lahst ]
/ læst, lɑst /

adjective a superl. of late with later as compar.

adverb

noun

Idioms for last

Origin of last

1
before 900; Middle English last, latst, syncopated variant of latest, Old English latest, lætest, superlative of læt, late

SYNONYMS FOR last

1 Last, final, ultimate refer to what comes as an ending. That which is last comes or stands after all others in a stated series or succession; last may refer to objects or activities: a seat in the last row; the last game. That which is final comes at the end, or serves to end or terminate, admitting of nothing further; final is rarely used of objects: to make a final attempt. That which is ultimate (literally, most remote) is the last that can be reached, as in progression or regression, experience, or a course of investigation: ultimate truths.

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH last

last penultimate ultimate

British Dictionary definitions for at long last (1 of 4)

last 1
/ (lɑːst) /

adjective (often prenominal)

adverb

noun

Word Origin for last

variant of Old English latest, lætest, superlative of late

usage for last

Since last can mean either after all others or most recent, it is better to avoid using this word where ambiguity might arise as in her last novel. Final or latest should be used in such contexts to avoid ambiguity

British Dictionary definitions for at long last (2 of 4)

last 2
/ (lɑːst) /

verb

(when intr, often foll by for) to remain in being (for a length of time); continue his hatred lasted for several years
to be sufficient for the needs of (a person) for (a length of time) it will last us until Friday
(when intr, often foll by for) to remain fresh, uninjured, or unaltered (for a certain time or duration) he lasted for three hours underground
See also last out

Derived forms of last

laster, noun

Word Origin for last

Old English lǣstan; related to Gothic laistjan to follow

British Dictionary definitions for at long last (3 of 4)

last 3
/ (lɑːst) /

noun

the wooden or metal form on which a shoe or boot is fashioned or repaired

verb

(tr) to fit (a shoe or boot) on a last

Derived forms of last

laster, noun

Word Origin for last

Old English lǣste, from lāst footprint; related to Old Norse leistr foot, Gothic laists

British Dictionary definitions for at long last (4 of 4)

last 4
/ (lɑːst) /

noun

a unit of weight or capacity having various values in different places and for different commodities. Commonly used values are 2 tons, 2000 pounds, 80 bushels, or 640 gallons

Word Origin for last

Old English hlæst load; related to hladan to lade 1

Idioms and Phrases with at long last (1 of 2)

at long last

see under at last.

Idioms and Phrases with at long last (2 of 2)

last