Master confusing words with ease
Penultimate vs. Ultimate
Penultimate
/peˈnʌltəmət/Examples:
The penultimate chapter left us eager for the conclusion.In a marathon, the penultimate mile tests a runner's stamina.Her performance peaked in the penultimate scene of the play.
Synonyms:
This word has no synonymsAntonyms:
Ultimate
/ˈʌltəmət/Examples:
It means that you can never know ultimate reality.Into Heaven and ultimate bliss?Man can never know the ultimate verities."
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Ultimate means last or final, think of it as the end point.
- Penultimate means second to last, so remember it comes before the ultimate.
- If you think of a race, the ultimate runner finishes last, and the penultimate finishes just before the last one.
- Ultimate can be a goal or result, something that is highest or best.
- Penultimate always refers specifically to the next to last position in a sequence.
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