Last but one in a series of things; second to last.
From Latin 'paenultimus' — 'paene' (almost) + 'ultimus' (last). Many people misuse this to mean 'the very best/ultimate' — it actually means 'almost last!'
It does NOT mean 'the best!' It means SECOND TO LAST! This is one of English's most misused words! If there are 500 words in a list, #499 is penultimate. You're looking at the penultimate batch RIGHT NOW! 📋✌️
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