antonym
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 5In everyday conversation, 'hot' is the most common antonym for 'cold'.
In daily speech, 'hot' is the standard opposite for 'cold'.
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.
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.
Antonyms
Word Family
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
In everyday conversation, 'hot' is the most common antonym for 'cold'.
everydayIn daily speech, 'hot' is the standard opposite for 'cold'.
The witness provided an account that was the direct antonym of the previous testimony.
formalThe witness gave a report that was the complete opposite of the earlier statement.
I couldn't think of the antonym for 'sharp' during the game, so I just said 'not pointy'.
informalI forgot the opposite of 'sharp' while playing, so I used a simple description instead.
Linguistic scholars categorize 'alive' and 'dead' as binary antonyms because they represent mutually exclusive states.
academicLinguists classify 'alive' and 'dead' as absolute opposites because one cannot be both at once.
Our quarterly loss is the unfortunate antonym of the profit we projected in January.
businessOur current loss is the negative opposite of the profit we expected at the start of the year.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
An antonym means the opposite, whereas a synonym means the same or nearly the same.
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
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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univerbible
C1Describes 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
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posttribate
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oversolure
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disspirty
C1Characterized 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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