Antonym

Definition

The noun "antonym" refers to (1) a word having a meaning opposite to that of another word; and (2) a term expressing direct contrast or opposition to another in semantics.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈæn.tə.nɪm/
• Respelling: AN-tuh-nim

British English

• IPA: /ˈæn.tə.nɪm/
• Respelling: AN-tuh-nim

Etymology

From Greek antōnymos “opposite in name,” from anti- “against” + onoma “name.” Entered English in the early 17th century.

Derivatives

• Antonymic (adjective)
• Antonymously (adverb)
• Antonymy (noun)

Synonyms

• Opposite
• Contrary
• Reverse
• Counterterm

Antonyms

• Synonym

Usage

"Antonym" appears in dictionaries, linguistics, and writing. Examples: "‘Hot’ is an antonym of ‘cold’," and "‘Victory’ and ‘defeat’ are antonyms."

Related Terms

• Synonym: A word with the same or similar meaning as another.
• Homonym: A word pronounced like another but differing in meaning.
• Heteronym: A word spelled like another but with a different pronunciation and meaning.
• Antonymy: The relationship between antonyms.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A word with a meaning opposite to that of another:
  • Example: "‘High’ is an antonym of ‘low’."
• A term expressing direct contrast or opposition:
  • Example: "‘Success’ and ‘failure’ function as antonyms."