Types of Antonyms

English learners can enhance their writing and speaking skills

by using a variety of words in their own in terms of using two
amazing aspects in English language i.e.; Antonyms and
Synonyms respectively. We at Englishleap.com has introduced
this accomplishment with Antonyms, now let’s take a look at
what we can do with antonyms.

Antonyms are words in the English Language that means

“opposite”. Let’s understand this with an example; the antonym
of thin long is fat. Often most of the words will have more than
one antonym totally depending on the context. For instance, the
word Warm could have the antonym chill or cool. Thus, it’s
important to choose the right one, for this, you have to make
analysis of all the meanings in detail in order to learn the
appropriate use of antonyms in English language. Coal is used in
terms of defining stylish as well as chill, thus the word cool
might be not a good choice. In order to learn correct usage of
antonyms, you have to possess proper understanding to its
types, which are mentioned as follows,

Different Types of Antonyms

Antonyms fall within the three categories, namely, Relational

Antonyms, Graded Antonyms, and Complementary Antonyms.

Relational Antonyms: These are the sets of word pairs which are

responsible for showing the relationship between two opposites
such as there can’t be a child without a parent or it’s either all or
nothing. Relational Antonyms wouldn’t exist without the other.
Let’s understand this with the help of following examples,

· Front: Back

1
Graded Antonyms: These are the sets of word pairs which are
responsible for showing variation between the two opposites
such as little and big are antonyms but you will observe a lot of
changes before you get to the opposite meaning. Let’s
understand this with the help of following examples, Huge, Big,
little, bulky, full-size, slight, petite etc., Some other examples are
as follows,

Huge, Big, little, bulky, full-size, slight, petite etc,

Some other examples are as follows,

· Sad: Happy

· Healthy: Sick

· Smart: Stupid

Complimentary Antonyms: These are the sets of word pairs that

have no degree of meaning. There is only availability of two
opposite in a possible manner. For example,

· Dead: Alive

· Male- female

· On: Off

Thus, while using antonyms; always try to keep in mind the

context behind the word for which you are looking to use
antonyms. In case you are willing to get advice on how to use
English grammar rules, feel free to visit Englishleap.com in
order to solve your related queries.

2
3