Types of Antonyms

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

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.