diff --git a/spotbugs/etc/messages.xml b/spotbugs/etc/messages.xml
index 4e0b17db5b8..e7a117f133d 100644
--- a/spotbugs/etc/messages.xml
+++ b/spotbugs/etc/messages.xml
@@ -9148,7 +9148,7 @@ Using floating-point variables should not be used as loop counters, as they are
         These values are available as system properties, which should be used instead.
       </p>
       <p>
-        Any value which can be accessed through both System.getProperty() and System.getenv(), should be accessed using the latter.
+        Any value which can be accessed through both System.getProperty() and System.getenv(), should be accessed using the former.
       </p>
       <p>
         Mapping of corresponding Java properties: