Synonyms and antonyms are used to avoid over-using words. They help to build vocabulary and broaden your understanding of the world.

Synonyms

Synonyms are words with a similar or the same meaning. The word ‘syn’ means ‘the same.
Examples of synonyms:

Word Synonym
private secret
lucky fortunate
build construct
quarrel argue

Antonyms: are words that have opposite meanings. The word ‘anti’ means ‘opposite’ or ‘anti’.
For example

“The lion ambled up to its prey” is not as effective as “The lion stalked its prey” but they are both synonyms for the word ‘walk’.

READ:
Allegory: Device, Examples, Uses
Word Antonym
private public
lucky unlucky
build demolish, destroy
quarrel agree

A prefix/beginning can sometimes be added to a word to make an antonym.

Many of the prefixes used to make an antonym begin with ‘dis-’, ‘un-’, ‘im-’, ‘ir-’, ‘il-’ and ‘in-’.
For example
like – dislike

Patient-impatient

READ:
Homophones: Meaning & Examples

Accurate-inaccurate

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William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)
William completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in 2013. He current serves as a lecturer, tutor and freelance writer. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, walking his dog and parasailing. Article last reviewed: 2022 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2024 | Creative Commons 4.0

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