Esta última voz

Question

In English we frequently refer to two items as 'the former' and 'the latter' as in this example.

There is a difference between water and ice. The former will always have a temperature above zero degrees centigrade while the latter will always be below the freezing point. The former will be liquid while the latter will be solid.

In Spanish, does the phrase 'esta última voz' have the meaning 'latter' as that term is used in English.? For an example, see the definition of 'allá' (found here ----> allá) where the RAE states:

1. adverb de lugar. allí. Indica lugar menos circunscrito o determinado que el que se denota con esta última voz.

How do we say, in Spanish, 'former' and 'latter' in a presentation like the example above?

I have wondered that Moe. - ian-hill, Apr 16, 2011

Answer 1

adverb de lugar. allí. Indica lugar menos circunscrito o determinado que el que se denota con esta última voz.

Adverb of place. "allí" indicates (refers to) a place less circumscribed or determined (less immediate/more removed) than that which is meant by the latter (this most recent word).

Fixed a formatting problem. Basically, prefacing a sentence with too many spaces (4 or 5 I think), puts that line into "pre" mode which makes it strecth all the way across the screen. - webdunce, Apr 17, 2011

Thanks, Samdie. Your answer clears that up for me. - Moe, Apr 17, 2011

Answer 2

The following may help you with this. "Éste and aquél, with their related forms, translate the English "the latter" and "the former" respectively. This seems "counter intuitive" to me. If it strikes you likewise, it might be helpful to remember that fact if you struggle to remember the sequence or references.

Tienen un hijo y una hija. Ésta (referring to the latter - the daughter - is in the feminine form) es enfermera, aquél (referring to the former - the son- is in the masculine form) es médico. They have a son and a daughter. The latter is a nurse and the former is a doctor.

That is all that my dictionary gave me. The words "former" and latter" simply do not exist in Spanish it would seem. - ian-hill, Apr 16, 2011

Answer 3

Should I mention supercooled water?

Answer 4

anterior and posterior are former and latter in Spanish.

Answer 5

Según wordereference.com:

former

pron (la primera de dos referencias) aquél, aquélla(s), aquello(s), el/la/lo primero,-a, los/las primeros,-as: I like cats and dogs, but I prefer the former. Me gustan los gatos y los perros, pero prefiero los primeros.

Recuerda que, entre dos elementos, former hace referencia al primero y latter al segundo.

Answer 6

From my original question above, can anyone tell me what was the meaning intended in the RAE's dictionary by the use of the term 'esta última voz' as used in the definition of 'alla' (found here ----> allá) where the RAE states:

1. adverb de lugar. allí. Indica lugar menos circunscrito o determinado que el que se denota con esta última voz.