antonymy

7.4

The link between two words that have opposite meanings

noun
/ˌæntəˈnɪmi/

Specialized

: antonimia

There is a clear case of antonymy between the words 'hot' and 'cold'.

Examples

The words 'hot' and 'cold' exhibit antonymy.
Understanding antonymy helps students expand their English vocabulary.
Linguists study antonymy to analyze patterns in language.
Understanding antonymy is crucial for language learners.
There is a clear case of antonymy between the words 'hot' and 'cold'.
Understanding antonymy helps students expand their English vocabulary.
Linguists study antonymy to analyze patterns in language.

Synonyms

semantic relation

vsantonymy

Specialized

1 7.2

A connection between what words, phrases, or sentences mean

is a specific type limited to opposite meanings between words

oppositeness

vsantonymy

7.5

A state where two things are completely different, like day and night

applies specifically to words that have opposite meanings

Surface Forms

antonymy singular

antonymies plural

Morphology

antonymy = antonym (transparent) = antonym + y

Formed by the noun 'antonym' plus the nominalizing suffix '-y' to denote the state/relationship of being antonyms, so the meaning is directly derivable.

Etymology

Antonymy comes from the parts anti- ('against' or 'opposite') and -onym ('name'), so it means 'opposite names' and describes the connection between words that have opposite meanings, like 'hot' and 'cold'.