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Penultimate for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: pɪ'nəltəmɪt

What does Penultimate really mean?

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Penultimate is a fascinating word that we use to describe something that comes right before the last thing. Yep, it's almost like the "second-to-last" word. Just imagine a race where you have a bunch of runners. The one who comes in second place would be the penultimate runner. They give it their all, but they are not quite the ultimate winner. So, penultimate is like being in the spotlight, but not quite reaching the very end.

Now, let's say we have a line of people waiting to get into a fun fair. The person standing right in front of you is penultimate in line. They are just one step away from being the last person to enter. It's like they are holding the second-best spot, not too far from the end. So, penultimate can also be used to describe the second-to-last person or thing in a sequence.

But wait, there's more! Sometimes, penultimate can also refer to something that is very important or significant, just like how the second-to-last chapter in a book often sets up the biggest twist or helps tie up loose ends. It's like that "almost there but not quite" feeling, where things are getting really exciting or intense right before reaching the end.

So, whether it's a race, a line, or a book, the word penultimate is all about being right there, on the brink of reaching the end or being extremely significant. It might sound like a fancy word, but with a little imagination, we can easily understand and use it to describe that special position or moment that comes right before the last.

Revised and Fact checked by William Rodriguez on 2023-10-29 20:03:25

Penultimate In a sentece

Learn how to use Penultimate inside a sentece

  • The penultimate episode of a TV show is usually the second to last episode before the final one. For example, in a series with 10 episodes, the penultimate episode would be episode 9.
  • In a race, the penultimate runner is the one who finishes second to last, just before the last runner crosses the finish line.
  • When reading a book series, the penultimate book is the one right before the final book. It is the second to last book in the series.
  • During a game of chess, the penultimate move is the second to last move made by a player before their opponent is in checkmate.
  • In a party, the penultimate guest is the second to last person to arrive, right before the last guest joins the party.

Penultimate Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Penultimate Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Penultimate Similar Words

Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.