What does antepenult mean?
An antepenult is the third syllable from the end of a word, counting backward from its final syllable. In a four-syllable word such as “information,” the antepenult is the third syllable, while the final syllable is the ultimate and the second is the penultimate. The term is used chiefly in phonetics, prosody, grammar, and the analysis of verse, where it helps identify syllable positions and patterns of stress. As an adjective, antepenult means third from the end, although the fuller form “antepenultimate” is more usual in that role. The vocabulary is learned and specialized rather than conversational, but it is useful for describing rhythmic structure precisely. Its Latin-based formation also makes the system transparent: “ante-” means before, while the related Latin “penultimus” means last but one.
The third syllable from the end of a word.
"The antepenult of “information” is the syllable represented by “ma.”"
Used in phonetics, prosody, and literary analysis to identify a syllable position.
Third from the end, especially of a syllable or position in a word.
"The final line has antepenult stress."
The fuller and generally more usual form is “antepenultimate.”
The plural is possible but rarely needed because the word most often appears in specialized descriptions of individual words.
"Each of the two antepenults received secondary stress."
Count backward from the end: ultimate, penultimate, antepenultimate—the last is the word three syllables from the finish.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does antepenult come from?
Antepenult is an English shortening of antepenultimate, which comes from Latin antepēnultimus, meaning third from last. The Latin compound combines ante, “before,” with penultimus, “last but one,” the source of English penultimate and penult. English later developed the shortened form antepenult alongside the full adjective antepenultimate.
Related word forms
How antepenult is actually used
Chiefly formal and technical, especially in phonetics, prosody, grammar, and literary analysis. As an adjective, the shorter form is less common than “antepenultimate.”
Easily confused with antepenult
A penultimate syllable is second from the end, whereas an antepenult is third from the end.