Words / B2

ANT-uh-nim/ˈæntənɪm/

An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word: an antonym of hot is cold; antonym pairs. Synonym is the same-meaning twin; opposite is everyday. Give an antonym only if the mark scheme asks; still keep the source word. Mix-up: antonym vs antonym as “anti-name”; acronym; do not write antonym for a word that is merely different, not opposite.

Meaning

A word that means the opposite of another word.

Examples

• “Give an antonym only if the mark scheme asks; still keep the source word, the English paper said.”
• “Gradable antonyms featured in the semantics question, which is the more/less sense — still name both poles.”

Good to know

an antonym of; antonym pairs; gradable antonyms. Opposite twin of: synonym. Everyday: opposite. Trap: acronym / a merely different word. English language. A word with the opposite meaning — pair it only when asked.

Near in meaning

opposite, reverse, contrary

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