English: Grade 5
Language Use: Synonyms and Antonyms
SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS
Synonyms are words with a similar or the same meaning.
The word synonym comes from the Greek. The prefix ‘syn’ means ‘the same’ or ‘together’
and ‘onym’ means ‘name’. So synonyms are names (words) that are the same.
Examples of Synonyms
Word
buy
sleepy
noisy
allow
Synonym
purchase
tired, drowsy
loud
permit, authorise
You can use a Thesaurus to find synonyms. It works like a dictionary in that it
is in alphabetical order.
Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. The word antonym comes from the Greek.
The prefix ‘anti’ means ‘opposite’ or ‘anti’ and ‘onym’ means ‘name’. So antonyms are
names (words) that are the opposite.
Examples of Antonyms:
Word
buy
sleepy
noisy
allow
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Antonym
sell
alert, awake
quiet
refuse, forbid
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English: Grade 5
Language Use: Synonyms and Antonyms
A prefix can sometimes be added to a word to make an antonym.
For example
satisfied – dissatisfied
necessary – unnecessary
The prefix can also be changed to make an antonym.
For example
everything – nothing
Go to the module on Prefixes, Suffixes and Root Words for more information:
http://www.mycyberwall.co.za/get-smart/english/grade-5/root-words-prefixes-and-suffixes
Using a variety of synonyms and antonyms will make your writing and speech
more interesting and varied. This can help you to improve your communication
skills.
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