Definition

The second to last syllable in a word or the second to last item in a series.

Example

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

Conversation

Did you know that the word penultima refers to the second to last syllable in a word?

Oh really? I had no idea!

Yeah, it's pretty interesting how it works in different languages.

That makes sense! I guess it helps with pronunciation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Penultima → It is formed from "paene" (meaning almost) and "ultimus" (meaning last). The word refers to the second to last item in a sequence, as it is almost the last one.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'almost' ('paene') the 'last' ('ultimus') — that's why penultima means the second to last.

Visually Confused Words