C1 verb Neutral

antonym

/ˈæntənɪm/

An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning of another word in the same language. It is a fundamental concept in semantics used to define words through contrast and to enrich vocabulary through nuanced opposition.

Examples

3 of 5
1

In everyday conversation, 'hot' is the most common antonym for 'cold'.

In daily speech, 'hot' is the standard opposite for 'cold'.

2

The witness provided an account that was the direct antonym of the previous testimony.

The witness gave a report that was the complete opposite of the earlier statement.

3

I couldn't think of the antonym for 'sharp' during the game, so I just said 'not pointy'.

I forgot the opposite of 'sharp' while playing, so I used a simple description instead.

Word Family

Noun
antonym
Verb
antonymize
Adverb
antonymously
Adjective
antonymous
Related
antonymy
💡

Memory Tip

Remember that 'Anti-' means 'against' (like anti-virus) and '-onym' means 'name' (like pseudonym). So an antonym is an 'against-name' or 'opposite-name'.

Quick Quiz

The teacher asked the class to identify the ______ of the word 'temporary'.

Correct!

The correct answer is: antonym

Examples

1

In everyday conversation, 'hot' is the most common antonym for 'cold'.

everyday

In daily speech, 'hot' is the standard opposite for 'cold'.

2

The witness provided an account that was the direct antonym of the previous testimony.

formal

The witness gave a report that was the complete opposite of the earlier statement.

3

I couldn't think of the antonym for 'sharp' during the game, so I just said 'not pointy'.

informal

I forgot the opposite of 'sharp' while playing, so I used a simple description instead.

4

Linguistic scholars categorize 'alive' and 'dead' as binary antonyms because they represent mutually exclusive states.

academic

Linguists classify 'alive' and 'dead' as absolute opposites because one cannot be both at once.

5

Our quarterly loss is the unfortunate antonym of the profit we projected in January.

business

Our current loss is the negative opposite of the profit we expected at the start of the year.

Word Family

Noun
antonym
Verb
antonymize
Adverb
antonymously
Adjective
antonymous
Related
antonymy

Common Collocations

exact antonym a word that is a perfect opposite
binary antonym a pair of words where one being true implies the other is false
provide an antonym to give an opposite word
near antonym a word that is almost an opposite but has slight differences
lexical antonym a word that serves as an opposite within a specific vocabulary

Common Phrases

polar antonyms

words that represent two extreme ends of a scale

complementary antonyms

pairs that exist in an either-or relationship

relational antonyms

words that are opposites based on their relationship, like teacher and student

Often Confused With

antonym vs synonym

An antonym means the opposite, whereas a synonym means the same or nearly the same.

antonym vs homonym

An antonym refers to opposite meanings; a homonym refers to words that sound or are spelled the same but have different meanings.

📝

Usage Notes

Antonym is primarily used as a noun in academic and linguistic contexts. While most people simply use the word 'opposite', 'antonym' is preferred when discussing the technical classification of words.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often try to find antonyms for words that don't have them, such as nouns like 'table' or 'chair'. Only words expressing qualities, directions, or states typically have true antonyms.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember that 'Anti-' means 'against' (like anti-virus) and '-onym' means 'name' (like pseudonym). So an antonym is an 'against-name' or 'opposite-name'.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek 'anti-' (opposite) and 'onoma' (name).

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Usually followed by the preposition 'of' (e.g., 'the antonym of...')
🌍

Cultural Context

The study of antonyms is a core part of the English National Curriculum, taught to children to help expand their descriptive capabilities.

Quick Quiz

The teacher asked the class to identify the ______ of the word 'temporary'.

Correct!

The correct answer is: antonym

Related Words

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hypersalvure

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macrovivcide

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interphotoly

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overclamdom

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A state or condition of excessive silence, secretiveness, or refusal to communicate, often resulting in a breakdown of transparency or social connection. It describes an overwhelming degree of 'clamming up' or being emotionally and verbally unreachable.

univerbible

C1

Describes a concept, truth, or set of principles that is considered universally applicable and as authoritative as a sacred text. It suggests a singular, definitive guide that transcends specific cultural or disciplinary boundaries.

preprivsion

C1

To proactively allocate or configure resources, permissions, or digital infrastructure in advance of their actual requirement. This verb is primarily used in technical and organizational contexts to describe the preparation of a system for immediate use upon a specific trigger.

posttribate

C1

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oversolure

C1

A noun referring to the implementation of an unnecessarily complex, redundant, or excessive solution to a relatively simple problem. It describes a state of over-engineering where the resources or complexity involved far exceed the actual requirements of the situation.

disspirty

C1

Characterized by a lack of spirit, enthusiasm, or hope, typically occurring after a setback or disappointment. It describes a psychological state where one's morale is significantly dampened or discouraged.

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