Is there a word like latter that means the first option rather than the last? So, I could say this: That could be either a mistake or an exception to the rule but I suspect it is the latter. "I suspect it is the latter" would mean I suspect it is the last option, the "exception to the rule". Is there a term or word to describe the first option? The reason I like "latter" is because it varies the words I use a bit because I am not repeating anything, so I'd like to know if there is a way of saying "I suspect it is the first option/thing" with just one word like latter.