Antonymy

Antonymy is the relationship between words that have opposite meanings. For example, "hot" and "cold," or "happy" and "sad" are antonyms. These pairs help us describe differences clearly and precisely. Some antonyms are gradable, meaning there's a scale (e.g., "big" and "small" along size), while others are complementary, where one excludes the other (e.g., "dead" and "alive"). Recognizing antonyms enhances communication by allowing us to compare and contrast ideas effectively. They are fundamental in language, providing a balance of contrasting concepts that clarify and enrich expression.