Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
antepenult
Noun
/ˌæn.ti.pɪˈnʌlt/
Definition
The syllable or vowel that is located three syllables before the last syllable of a word.
Examples
- In the word ‘unbelievable’, the antepenult is ‘be’.
- Understanding the antepenult helps with proper stress placement in pronunciation.
- The Latin word ‘alumni’ has ‘lu’ as its antepenult.
Meaning
In linguistic terms, it refers to the third-to-last syllable of a word, important in the study of prosody and rhythm in language.
Synonyms
- Third-to-last syllable
- Antepenultimate syllable
