last

I. verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English lǣstan to last, follow; akin to Old English lāst footprint Date: before 12th century intransitive verb 1. to continue in time 2. a. to remain fresh or unimpaired ; endure b. to manage to continue (as in a course of action) c. to continue to live transitive verb 1. to continue in existence or action as long as or longer than — often used with out <

couldn't last out the training program

> 2. to be enough for the needs of <

the supplies will last them a week

> Synonyms: see continue • laster noun II. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English lǣste, from lāst footprint; akin to Old High German leist shoemaker's last, Latin lira furrow — more at learn Date: before 12th century a form (as of metal or plastic) which is shaped like the human foot and over which a shoe is shaped or repaired III. transitive verb Date: circa 1859 to shape with a last • laster noun IV. adverb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English latost, superlative of læt late Date: before 12th century 1. after all others ; at the end <

came last and left first

> 2. most lately <

saw him last in Rome

> 3. in conclusion <

last, let's consider the social aspect

> V. adjective Date: 13th century 1. a. following all the rest <

he was the last one out

> b. being the only remaining <

our last dollar

> 2. belonging to the final stage (as of life) <

his last hours on earth

> 3. a. next before the present ; most recent <

last week

> <

his last book was a failure

> b. most up-to-date ; latest <

it's the last thing in fashion

> 4. a. lowest in rank or standing; also worst b. farthest from a specified quality, attitude, or likelihood <

would be the last person to fall for flattery

> 5. a. conclusive <

there is no last answer to the problem

> b. highest in degree ; supreme, ultimate c. distinct, separate — used as an intensive <

ate every last piece of food

> • lastly adverb Synonyms: last, final, terminal, ultimate mean following all others (as in time, order, or importance). last applies to something that comes at the end of a series but does not always imply that the series is completed or stopped <

last page of a book

> <

last news we had of him

>. final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress <

final day of school

>. terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development <

terminal phase of a disease

>. ultimate implies the last degree or stage of a long process beyond which further progress or change is impossible <

the ultimate collapse of the system

>. VI. noun Date: 13th century something that is last