How to Pronounce Penultimate

To pronounce "penultimate", say PEN-ult-im-at-e — 5 syllables, IPA /pɪˈnʌltɪmət/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

penultimate

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Accent

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5

Syllables

11

Letters

/pɪˈnʌltɪmət/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “penultimate”

"penultimate" has 5 syllables: pen-ult-im-at-e. It rhymes with ultimate, if that helps it stick.

What does penultimate mean?

noun

  1. A penult, a next-to-last thing, particularly:

adjective

  1. (in United States usually formal) Next to last, second to last; immediately preceding the end of a sequence, list, etc.
  2. Of or pertaining to a penult.

Synonyms

penultbutlastlast but onenext to lastnext-to-lastonesecond from lastsecond last

Antonyms

second

Words that rhyme with penultimate

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

ultimate

Related words

penultpenultimanext-to-lastlastantepenultimate

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "penultimate"?▾

"Penultimate" has 5 syllables: pen · ult · im · at · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "penultimate"?▾

The IPA transcription of "penultimate" is /pɪˈnʌltɪmət/.

What does "penultimate" mean?▾

Penultimate: A penult, a next-to-last thing, particularly:

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