Legal Writing

Use of the word ?Latest?

By Maeve Maddox

Chandan writes:

I am confused between usage of word ‘LATEST’. Basically, it is being used in two opposite situations:
1. meaning late or last – ?Return my book latest by Monday?
2. meaning most recent – ?This is the latest book.?
How is ?latest? is used in 2 opposite contexts?

English is often blamed for confusion and ambiguity that stems not from the language, but from the use of the language.

As an adjective, latest has the meaning ?most recent.? Ex. This is the latest book. Here?s the latest news.

In order to use ?latest? adverbially, with the meaning ?at the last possible moment,? it needs to be placed in a phrase. Ex. Return my book on Monday at the latest.

Full post as published by Daily Writing Tips on March 14, 2010 (boomark / email).