Antepenultimate

Antepenultimate describes something that is third from the end in a sequence or series. It refers to the item or position before the penultimate one, and two places before the ultimate or final one. This word often appears in the context of academic or organizational structures, stages in a process, or rankings. The term highlights the penultimate aspect, emphasizing the relative place within a defined order or sequence. Recognizing the antepenultimate element provides clarity of the relationship between objects or ideas in their place within the broader pattern. Its position is not simply 'near the end,' but specifically three positions away.

Antepenultimate meaning with examples

• In the competitive exam, the candidate's performance in the antepenultimate round proved critical. Her strong score there gave her a significant edge, propelling her towards the final stage and eventually winning the tournament after overcoming the penultimate and last rounds.
• The professor described the antepenultimate chapter of the novel as pivotal in understanding the protagonist's motivations. It highlighted the critical challenges faced just before the climax of the story, influencing the actions and decisions of key characters.
• The project manager decided to revise the antepenultimate version of the report after the team provided feedback. The prior version, while close to completion, needed clarification, as the penultimate was under development, which required one last iteration of the report before the final submission.
• The ancient scroll revealed that the antepenultimate king in the lineage was known for his diplomatic prowess. Before two successors, his leadership had paved the way for an era of peace and stability, setting the stage for subsequent reigns.