“Penultimate” refers to something that is second to last in a sequence or series. The term is derived from Latin, where “paene” means “almost” and “ultimus” means “last,” thus signifying the item or event that comes immediately before the final one. The use of “penultimate” is common in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in literature, sports, and other sequential activities where the position of an item in a series matters. It is often used to describe something that precedes the last, like a second-to-last chapter in a book or a runner who finishes just before the last competitor. The term helps distinguish between the final and second-to-last elements in a series, providing clarity in contexts where such distinctions are important.
Here are 10 sentences using the word “penultimate”:
- The penultimate chapter of the book was full of tension, setting up the dramatic conclusion.
- She finished in the penultimate position in the race, just behind the winner.
- The penultimate episode of the TV series left viewers on a cliffhanger, eager for the finale.
- After the penultimate meeting, the project was almost complete, with only a few details to finalize.
- The penultimate day of the conference was filled with workshops and keynotes before the closing ceremony.
- In the penultimate round of the competition, the teams were tied, leading to an intense final match.
- The penultimate decision in the case was crucial, as it determined the direction for the final verdict.
- We reached the penultimate station on our journey before heading back to the city center.
- The penultimate performance of the play showcased a dramatic twist in the storyline.
- The penultimate week of the semester was packed with exams and final preparations.
Synonyms for penultimate include:
- Second to last
- Near-last
- Next to last
- Almost last
Antonyms for penultimate include:
- Ultimate
- Final
- Last
- End
Related words:
- Sequence
- Order
- Series
- Preceding
- Position
- Ranking
- Successive
Phrasal verbs related to penultimate:
- “Come before” (e.g., the penultimate event comes before the final event)
- “Lead up to” (e.g., the penultimate chapter leads up to the climactic conclusion)
- “Fall short of” (e.g., the penultimate performance fell short of expectations, but the final one impressed)
Idiomatic expressions:
- “In the home stretch” (referring to the final stages of a series, with the penultimate step nearly completed)
- “The calm before the storm” (often used to describe the penultimate moment, right before the dramatic climax)
- “At the 11th hour” (referring to the last possible moment, in contrast to the penultimate moment)
- “On the verge” (indicating a state just before the final outcome, similar to the penultimate stage)