Basic Details
Word: Penultimate
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Second to last in a sequence.
Synonyms: Second last, next to last
Antonyms: Ultimate, last
Idioms and Phrases
- The penultimate step: Refers to the second to last step in a process or journey. Example: "The penultimate step in solving the puzzle is to arrange all the pieces correctly."
- In the penultimate hour: Refers to something happening just before the end of a situation. Example: "They made their decision in the penultimate hour before the deadline."
Usage Examples
Example 1: In the penultimate chapter of the book, the hero finally faces the villain.
Example 2: She finished second in the race, just missing out on the penultimate spot on the podium.
Example 3: The penultimate class of the semester was packed with students eager to finish the course.
Fun Fact
The word "penultimate" comes from the Latin term "paene" which means "almost" and "ultimus" which means "last." Thus, it refers to something that is almost, but not quite, the last.
Famous Quote
"In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "penultimate" mean?
a) First in line
b) Middle
c) Second to last
d) Last
Answer: c) Second to last
2. Which of these is a synonym of "penultimate"?
a) Final
b) Last
c) Second last
d) First
Answer: c) Second last
3. What is the opposite of "penultimate"?
a) First
b) Ultimate
c) Initial
d) First and last
Answer: b) Ultimate
4. Which sentence uses "penultimate" correctly?
a) The penultimate lesson was about numbers.
b) The penultimate book was very old.
c) She completed the penultimate race in first place.
d) All of the above.
Answer: d) All of the above.
5. What does "in the penultimate hour" mean?
a) At the very beginning
b) Just before the end
c) During the middle
d) After everything is finished
Answer: b) Just before the end
