PENULT Meaning and
Definition
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Penult is a noun that refers to the second-to-last syllable or the syllable immediately preceding the ultimate or final syllable in a word. It is derived from the Latin word "paenultimus," which means next to last.
In linguistic terms, penult is commonly used to describe the specific syllable that carries the primary stress within a word or phrase. It is an important concept in understanding word stress patterns and syllable division, as it determines the emphasis or prominence in pronunciation. The penult plays a crucial role in determining the rhythm and flow of speech.
The penult is particularly significant in languages with predictable stress patterns, such as Latin and ancient Greek. In such languages, the placement of stress on the penult can often provide crucial information about the word's grammatical form or meaning. However, it is important to note that the concept of stress and its placement on the penult can vary considerably between languages.
Understanding the concept of the penult is essential not only for linguists, but also for language learners, poets, and those interested in phonetics and phonology. By identifying and correctly stressing the penult in a word or phrase, one can enhance their pronunciation, maintain proper rhythm, and convey meaning effectively.
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The last syllable of a word except one.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PENULT
- oenult
- lenult
- -enult
- 0enult
- pwnult
- psnult
- pdnult
- prnult
- p4nult
- p3nult
- pebult
- pemult
- pejult
- pehult
- penylt
- penhlt
- penjlt
- penilt
- pen8lt
Etymology of PENULT
The word "penult" comes from the Latin term "paenultima", which is a contraction of "paene ultima". In Latin, "paene" means "almost" or "nearly", and "ultima" means "the last". Therefore, "penult" refers to the second-to-last syllable in a word.
Similar spelling words for PENULT
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