Definition

The third syllable from the end of a word.

Example

In the word 'unhappiness', the antepenult is 'hap'.

Conversation

I was reading about syllables and learned about the term antepenult.

Oh really? What's that about?

It's the third syllable from the end of a word, like in 'antepenult' itself.

That's interesting! I never knew there was a specific term for that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Antepenult → It is formed from "ante-" (meaning before) and "paenultima" (from Latin, meaning almost last). The word refers to the syllable that is before the last syllable in a word.

Memory Tip

Think of 'ante-' meaning 'before' and 'paenultima' meaning 'almost last' — this helps you remember that the antepenult is the syllable before the last one.

Visually Confused Words