antonym

UK: ˈæntənɪm | US: ˈæntənɪm

Definition

  1. n. a word opposite in meaning to another (e.g., "hot" is an antonym of "cold").

Structure
ant <against>onym <name>ant <against>onym <name>
Etymology

The word "antonym" originates from Greek anti- (against) + onoma (name), literally meaning "opposite name." It entered English in the 19th century as a linguistic term to describe words with contrasting meanings, mirroring the structure of "synonym" (same name). The pairing reflects the logical opposition central to its definition.

Examples

  1. "Fast" is the antonym of "slow."

  2. Teachers often ask students to list antonyms for vocabulary words.

  3. The antonym of "light" can be "dark" or "heavy," depending on context.

  4. In language tests, matching antonyms is a common exercise.

  5. The word "joy" has "sorrow" as its antonym.