What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
penult
Example
The stress falls on the penult in the word 'banana'. [penult: noun]
Example
The penult item on the list is the most important. [penult: adjective]
Example
We are in the penult phase of the project before completion. [penult: noun]
antepenultimate
Example
The antepenultimate syllable in the word 'banana' is 'na'. [antepenultimate: adjective]
Example
The antepenultimate item on the list is often overlooked. [antepenultimate: adjective]
Example
We are in the antepenultimate stage of the tournament before the finals. [antepenultimate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Penult is more commonly used than antepenultimate in everyday language. Penult is a more straightforward and concise term that is easier to use and understand. Antepenultimate is a more complex and less common term that is mostly used in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between penult and antepenultimate?
Both penult and antepenultimate are formal terms that are more commonly used in academic or technical writing. However, antepenultimate is more formal and less commonly used than penult.