Antepenult

/ˌæntɪˈpɛnʌlt/ noun

Definition

The third syllable from the end of a word; the syllable before the penultimate syllable.

Etymology

From Latin 'ante' (before) + 'penultimus' (penultimate, second-to-last). A linguistic term for syllable counting in words.

Kelly Says

Spanish and Latin pronunciation often emphasize the antepenult—like in 'tÉ-le-fo-no'—which is why these languages sound rhythmically different from English when spoken aloud.

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