Definition

Referring to the second to last item in a sequence or list.

Example

In a race with ten runners, the penultimate runner finished just before the last one.

Conversation

Did you know that the penultimate episode of that series is airing tonight?

Really? I can’t believe it’s almost over already!

Yeah, it’s crazy how fast it went by; the penultimate one is usually the most exciting.

Absolutely! I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

The one that comes just before the last in a sequence.

Example

In a race with ten runners, the penultimate runner finished just before the last one.

Conversation

Did you see the penultimate episode of that show last night?

Yeah, it was so intense! I can't believe what happened.

I know, right? That was such a cliffhanger before the finale.

Root Explanation

Penultimate → It is formed from "pen-" (from Latin *paene*, meaning almost) and "ultimus" (meaning last). The word "penultimate" refers to something that is almost the last, specifically the second to last in a sequence.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'almost' ('pen-') 'last' ('ultimus') — that's why penultimate means second to last.

Visually Confused Words