Last Meaning
Last Definition & Usage
Occurring after all others in time or order; final.
Examples
- "This is the last bus to the station."
- "The last person to arrive was Maria."
- "We have to wait until the last minute to make a decision."
- "The last chapter of the book was very emotional."
- "I saved the best for last."
To continue for a specified period of time or until the end.
Examples
- "The meeting lasted three hours."
- "The rain lasted all night."
- "This paint should last for a decade."
- "How long did the movie last?"
- "The concert lasted longer than I expected."
The final part, point, or thing in a series.
Examples
- "The last of the cookies were eaten by the children."
- "The last in line gets the last word."
- "He was the last to leave the party."
- "The last of the ice cream melted in the sun."
- "The last of the instructions are always the hardest."
In a manner that is final or most recent.
Examples
- "She was the last to speak at the meeting."
- "I was the last to know about the change."
- "They arrived last at the party."
- "He made his decision last, after much thought."
- "I only saw him last week."
Cultural Context
The word 'last' has Old English roots, and its meaning has evolved over centuries to include both temporal and sequential uses. In everyday conversation, it is often used to refer to the final part of a process or event, whether it concerns time, order, or endurance.
The Last Adventure
Story
The Last Adventure
It was the last day of summer, and Emma stood at the edge of the pier, looking out at the horizon. She and her friends had spent every weekend of the season exploring the lake, and now it was time for the final adventure before school started again. 'This is it,' she thought, 'our last chance to do something memorable before everything changes.' As they clambered into the boat, the last rays of sunlight cast a golden glow over the water. 'Do you think we'll ever do this again?' Sarah asked, glancing at Emma. Emma smiled, 'Maybe not in the same way, but we’ll last through anything, right?' They all laughed, knowing that the memories they made would last forever, even if their time together wouldn't. The boat sped off across the lake, leaving a trail of ripples that stretched to the very last point where the sky met the water. It was their last summer together, but it would be one they'd remember for a lifetime.