Antonym
/ˈæn.tə.nɪm/noun
A word that has the opposite meaning of another word.
Did you know?The term 'antonym' stems from Greek roots meaning 'against' and 'name', hinting at the idea of identity in opposition — a linguistic duel!
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀντί (antí)
“against, opposite”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὄνομα (ónoma)
“name”
Late Latin
Latin
antonymus
“word having an opposite meaning”
Middle English
Middle English
antonym
“word that expresses a contrary idea”
Modern English
English
antonym
“term used to describe words with opposite meanings”