last, latest

Last means most recent and final. When referring to dates such as last March, which may mean either the most recent month of March or the month of March in the previous calendar year, mention the year as well as the month to avoid confusion.

  • Matt Cohen’s last book, which won the Governor General’s Award, was published shortly before his death.
  • When you said “last Tuesday” did you mean three days ago or ten days ago?

Like last, latest means most recent, but it also means the newest in a series.

  • Have you heard the latest news about the company’s merger?
  • The latest trend among baby boomers appears to be hands–on grandparenting.

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A tool created and made available online by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada

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