Definition

The third-to-last syllable in a word.

Example

In the word 'banana', the antepenultima is 'na'.

Conversation

Did you know that the antepenultima syllable is important in pronunciation?

Really? I had no idea it even had a name.

Yeah, it's the third to last syllable in a word.

That makes sense! I’ll pay more attention to it next time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Antepenultima → It is formed from "ante-" (meaning before) and "paenultima" (from Latin "paenultimus", meaning second to last). The word refers to the third-to-last syllable in a word, literally meaning 'before the penultimate'.

Memory Tip

Think of 'ante-' meaning 'before' and 'paenultima' meaning 'second to last' — this helps you remember that 'antepenultima' refers to the syllable that comes before the second to last.

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