Penultimate (adjective)

Next to the last in a series or sequence.

Origin:

The word 'penultimate' is derived from the latin words 'paene' meaning 'almost' and 'ultimus' meaning 'last'. it was first used in the late 16th century to describe the next to the last thing in a series.

Examples:

1. The penultimate chapter of the book was the most suspenseful.
2. The penultimate episode of the show was filled with twists and turns.
3. The penultimate syllable of the word is stressed in the English language.
4. The penultimate performance of the play was the best one yet.
5. The penultimate round of the tournament was the most intense.