The word "lattermost" is spelled with double "t" and "m" at the end because it is a compound word consisting of "latter" and "most". The initial "l" sound is pronounced with the clear "l" sound, represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /l/. The "a" sound is pronounced as /æ/ and the "t" sound is pronounced as /t/. The following "t" sound after "tt" is pronounced as a stop consonant, represented as /t/. The "er" sound is pronounced as /ɚ/, and the final "m" sound is pronounced as /m/.
Lattermost, an adjective, refers to the final or last item in a series, sequence, or group of two. It is derived from the combination of two English words, "latter" and "most." The word "latter" means the second of two previously mentioned items, contrasting with the former, whereas "most" denotes the furthest in extent or degree.
The term "lattermost" is primarily used to describe the last of two things or options that have been previously mentioned or discussed. It emphasizes the position of an item as being the utmost farther or final one. For instance, if there are two specific options under consideration, the "lattermost" refers to the second option compared to the "former."
This term can also be employed in a temporal context to describe something that is the most recent or last in a chronological sequence. For example, in a sequence of events or a time frame, the "lattermost" refers to the final event or the one that occurs at the latest time.
In summary, "lattermost" is an adjective used to indicate the last or final item in a series, sequence, or group. It helps differentiate between two items mentioned previously, emphasizing the position of the item as being the utmost farther or last one. This term can be applied to a variety of contexts, including both spatial and temporal.
The word lattermost is formed by combining two words: latter and -most.
The word latter originated from the Old English word lætra, which means slower, later. It is related to the Old English word late, meaning late in time. Over time, latter came to mean the second of two things mentioned or occurring or situated nearer to the end.
The suffix -most is a productive suffix in English that implies furthest or most extreme. It is added to certain words to indicate the furthest extent or the highest degree of something.
Therefore, when latter is combined with -most, it forms the word lattermost, which means the last or the very end of a series or list.