paenultimus

Paenultimus is a Latin adjective meaning “almost last” or “second to last.” It is formed from paene, meaning “almost,” and ultimus, meaning “last.” In classical Latin, this idea is usually expressed with the phrase paene ultimus rather than a single compound word, and paenultimus appears only sporadically in philological or medieval contexts.

Etymology and forms: The term lies at the origin of the English word penultimate. English borrowed the concept via Old French pénultième, from Latin paenultimus or related forms, to denote the second-to-last item in a sequence. The Latin adjectives decline like other first- and second-declension adjectives, with paenultimus (masculine), paenultima (feminine), and paenultimum (neuter) as the principal forms.

Usage: In Latin texts, paenultimus is not common in everyday prose; when it is encountered, it typically conveys the sense of “almost last” within a series. In modern English, penultimate is the standard term for the second-to-last element, whether talking about chapters, chapters, syllables, or items in a list. The Latin form paenultimus remains of interest primarily in discussions of etymology, Latin grammar, or historical linguistics.

See also: penultimate; antepenultimate; ultimus; etymology of penultimate.