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penultimate
IPA:
Dictionary definition of penultimate
Second-to-last item or occurrence in a sequence or series of things.
"The penultimate episode of the series was filled with twists and turns."
Detailed meaning of penultimate
It signifies an item or event that precedes the final or ultimate one. The term "penultimate" is often employed to create a sense of anticipation or build-up to the ultimate conclusion, emphasizing that there is only one more step or element to come. For example, in a race, the penultimate lap is the second-to-last lap before the race's conclusion, highlighting the approaching climax. In storytelling, the penultimate chapter or scene often sets the stage for the grand finale. This adjective serves to draw attention to the significance of the item just before the final one and contributes to the narrative or sequential structure by creating tension or expectation.
Example sentences containing penultimate
1. The penultimate round of the competition was intense and exciting.
2. This is the penultimate time I'll be reminding you about the deadline.
3. The penultimate chapter of the book left me on the edge of my seat.
4. The penultimate paragraph of the article made a strong argument.
5. The penultimate performance was the best of the night.
6. This was the penultimate day of my vacation and I wanted to make it count.
History and etymology of penultimate
The adjective 'penultimate' has its origins in Latin. It is formed from the Latin words 'paene,' meaning 'almost,' and 'ultimus,' which translates to 'last' or 'final.' In Latin, it literally meant 'almost last' or 'nearly final.' As the term made its way into English, it retained this sense of being the second-to-last item or occurrence in a sequence or series of things. 'Penultimate' is a useful word for indicating that something is very close to being the last in a sequence, but not quite there, highlighting its position just before the ultimate or final item.
Further usage examples of penultimate
1. The penultimate step in the recipe is to add the final touches.
2. The penultimate song on the album was a ballad that I really loved.
3. The penultimate stretch of the race was where I started to pick up speed.
4. The penultimate goal was the turning point in the game.
5. The penultimate word in the dictionary was "zenith."
6. The penultimate chapter of the book left readers in suspense.
7. The penultimate episode of the series revealed a shocking twist.
8. She won the penultimate race, setting the stage for the finals.
9. The penultimate ingredient in the recipe was a pinch of salt.
10. In the penultimate inning, the home team made a stunning comeback.
11. The penultimate candidate interviewed for the job was the most qualified.
12. The penultimate card in the deck was the ace of spades.
13. The penultimate day of the trip was spent exploring ancient ruins.
14. The penultimate scene in the play was a dramatic confrontation.
15. The penultimate item on the agenda was a critical discussion.
16. The penultimate question in the quiz stumped even the brightest students.
17. The penultimate verse of the song built anticipation for the chorus.
18. In the penultimate round of the tournament, he faced a formidable opponent.
19. The penultimate page of the manuscript contained a surprising revelation.
20. The penultimate course of the meal was a delectable dessert.
21. The penultimate step in the process required careful attention to detail.
22. The penultimate mile of the marathon was the most challenging.
23. The penultimate day of the conference featured a keynote speaker.
24. The penultimate layer of the painting added depth to the artwork.
25. The penultimate entry in his journal documented a momentous event.
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Options and Determinations, Middle School 16, Extremes and Pinnacles
ensuing,latter,terminal,ultimate
closing,concluding,crowning,eventual,final,latest
Synonyms for penultimate
Quiz categories containing penultimate
second-to-last, last, final, ultimate
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