antonym
Antonym (noun) means a word whose meaning is the opposite of another word's meaning. Example: “The teacher asked us to write an antonym for every adjective on the list.”
How to use antonym
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word that means the opposite of another word.
The word is neutral and is used in everyday teaching as well as in the study of meaning.
Remember that ant- here points to opposition, so an antonym is a word set against another word.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The teacher asked us to write an _____ for every adjective on the list.
Etymology
English took the word from French antonyme, which was formed on the pattern of the earlier synonyme. It became well established in English largely through Charles John Smith's 1867 book on synonyms and antonyms, and it can be analysed as ant- plus -onym.
