The difference between Last and Next

When used as determiners, last means the (one) immediately before the present, whereas next means the one immediately following the current or most recent one.

When used as nouns, last means a tool for shaping or preserving the shape of shoes, whereas next means the one that follows after this one.

When used as adverbs, last means most recently, whereas next means in a time, place, rank or sequence closest or following.

When used as adjectives, last means final, ultimate, coming after all others of its kind, whereas next means in place or position, having nothing similar intervening.


Last is also verb with the meaning: to perform, carry out.

Next is also preposition with the meaning: on the side of.

check bellow for the other definitions of Last and Next

  1. Last as an adjective:

    Final, ultimate, coming after all others of its kind.

    Examples:

    "“Eyes Wide Shut” was the last film to be directed by Stanley Kubrick."

  2. Last as an adjective:

    Most recent, latest, last so far.

    Examples:

    "The last time I saw him, he was married."

    "I have received your note dated the 17th last, and am responding to say that.... lb archaic _ usage"

  3. Last as an adjective:

    Farthest of all from a given quality, character, or condition; most unlikely, or least preferable.

    Examples:

    "He is the last person to be accused of theft."

    "The last person I want to meet is Helen."

    "More rain is the last thing we need right now."

  4. Last as an adjective:

    Being the only one remaining of its class.

    Examples:

    "Japan is the last empire."

  5. Last as an adjective:

    Supreme; highest in degree; utmost.

  6. Last as an adjective:

    Lowest in rank or degree.

    Examples:

    "the last prize"

    "rfquotek Alexander Pope"

  1. Last as an adverb:

    Most recently.

    Examples:

    "When we last met, he was based in Toronto."

  2. Last as an adverb (sequence):

    after everything else; finally

    Examples:

    "I'll go last."

    "[[last but not least]]"

  1. Last as a verb (transitive, obsolete):

    To perform, carry out.

  2. Last as a verb (intransitive):

    To endure, continue over time.

    Examples:

    "Summer seems to last longer each year."

    "They seem happy now, but that won't last long."

  3. Last as a verb (intransitive):

    To hold out, continue undefeated or entire.

    Examples:

    "I don't know how much longer we can last without reinforcements."

  1. Last as a noun:

    A tool for shaping or preserving the shape of shoes.

  1. Last as a verb:

    To shape with a last; to fasten or fit to a last; to place smoothly on a last.

    Examples:

    "to last a boot"

  1. Last as a noun (obsolete):

    A burden; load; a cargo; freight.

  2. Last as a noun (obsolete):

    A measure of weight or quantity, varying in designation depending on the goods concerned.

  3. Last as a noun (obsolete):

    An old English (and Dutch) measure of the carrying capacity of a ship, equal to two tons.

  4. Last as a noun:

    A load of some commodity with reference to its weight and commercial value.

  1. Next as an adjective (obsolete):

    in place or position, having nothing similar intervening; . Most direct, or shortest or nearest in distance or time.

  2. Next as an adjective:

    Nearest in order, succession, or rank; immediately (or sometimes ) in order.

    Examples:

    "the next chapter; the next man I see; the next week; the Sunday next before Easter"

  3. Next as an adjective (figuratively):

    Following in a hypothetical sequence of some kind.

  4. Next as an adjective (chiefly, law):

    Nearest in relationship. .}}

    Examples:

    "[[next friend next friend]]"

  1. Next as an adverb:

    In a time, place, rank or sequence closest or following.

    Examples:

    "They live in the next closest house."

    "Next, we stripped off the old paint."

    "Who is next after Henry gives his presentation?"

    "It's the next best thing to ice cream."

  2. Next as an adverb:

    On the first subsequent occasion.

    Examples:

    "Financial panic, earthquakes, oil spills, riots. What comes next?"

    "When we next meet, you'll be married."

  1. Next as a preposition:

    On the side of; nearest or adjacent to; next to.

  1. Next as a noun:

    The one that follows after this one.

    Examples:

    "Next, please, don't hold up the queue!"