Antonymy
The semantic relationship between words with opposite meanings, such as 'hot' and 'cold', 'big' and 'small'. Antonyms clarify meaning through contrast.
Real World
Political speeches exploit antonymy constantly — Barack Obama's 2008 slogan 'Yes We Can' was understood against the implicit antonym 'No We Can't', framing optimism against opposition through complementary opposition.
Exam Focus
Specify the type of antonymy (gradable, complementary, or relational) — this precision distinguishes top-band analytical responses.
How well did you know this?