penultimate
Verb
Medium difficulty
What does “penultimate” mean?
verb.last but one in a series of things; second last.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in literary or historical contexts, particularly when discussing sequences, such as events in a narrative or stages in a process. It emphasizes the importance of order and can imply a sense of anticipation for the final element, distinguishing it from similar terms like "antepenultimate," which refers to the third to last.
Common Confusions
Penultimate implies the second to last position in a sequence, while ultimate usually suggests the final or last element, highlighting their distinct placements within a series.
Do not choose penultimate if the context emphasizes finality or being the last rather than being last but one in a series of things.
Example Sentences
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The penultimate episode ended on an unexpected cliffhanger.