Penultima (Noun)
Meaning
The next to last syllable in a word.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The emphasis falls on the penultima in the word " banana", which is the syllable "na".
- In linguistics, the penultima is the second-to-last syllable in a word, often marked with a stress or emphasis.
- The word " photograph" has a penultima that is pronounced with a slightly longer duration than the final syllable.
- Identifying the penultima in a word can help with pronunciation and rhythm in speech.
- In some languages, the penultima is the default stress position, such as in Italian where the penultima is typically stressed.