penult
noun
the next to the last syllable in a word.
penultima
-
a variation of
penult.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Whether the penultima has more than a secondary stress is a matter of dispute.
From Society for Pure English Tract 4 The Pronunciation of English Words Derived from the Latin by John Sargeaunt
With no vowel before the penultima the long quality is, as usual, preserved, as in 'satiety'.
From Society for Pure English Tract 4 The Pronunciation of English Words Derived from the Latin by John Sargeaunt
Where there are two heavy consonants, the stress remains on the penultima, as 'consultant', 'triumphant', even when one of the consonants is not pronounced, as 'reminiscent'.
From Society for Pure English Tract 4 The Pronunciation of English Words Derived from the Latin by John Sargeaunt
Words of more than two syllables with a single consonant before the termination throw the stress back and shorten a long penultima, as 'ignorant', 'president', 'confident', 'adjutant'.
From Society for Pure English Tract 4 The Pronunciation of English Words Derived from the Latin by John Sargeaunt
Here the long i is retained, and in disyllables the penultima is lengthened, as in 'anile', 'senile', 'virile'.
From Society for Pure English Tract 4 The Pronunciation of English Words Derived from the Latin by John Sargeaunt
