Antonyms are words that have the opposite meaning of a given word. The study of antonyms will not only help you choose the most appropriate word as you write; it will also sharpen your overall sense of language. Table "Table 4.4" lists common words and their antonyms.
Word |
Antonym |
Word |
Antonym |
|
absence |
presence |
frequent |
seldom |
|
accept |
refuse |
harmful |
harmless |
|
accurate |
inaccurate |
horizontal |
vertical |
|
advantage |
disadvantage |
imitation |
genuine |
|
ancient |
modern |
inhabited |
uninhabited |
|
abundant |
scarce |
inferior |
superior |
|
artificial |
natural |
intentional |
accidental |
|
attractive |
repulsive |
justice |
injustice |
|
borrow |
lend |
knowledge |
ignorance |
|
bravery |
cowardice |
landlord |
tenant |
|
create |
destroy, demolish |
likely |
unlikely |
|
bold |
timid, meek |
minority |
majority |
|
capable |
incapable |
miser |
spendthrift |
|
combine |
separate |
obedient |
disobedient |
|
conceal |
reveal |
optimist |
pessimist |
|
common |
rare |
permanent |
temporary |
|
decrease |
increase |
plentiful |
scarce |
|
definite |
indefinite |
private |
public |
|
despair |
hope |
prudent |
imprudent |
|
discourage |
encourage |
qualified |
unqualified |
|
employer |
employee |
satisfactory |
unsatisfactory |
|
expand |
contract |
tame |
wild |
|
forget |
remember |
vacant |
occupied |
Tip
Learning antonyms is an effective way to increase your vocabulary. Memorizing words in combination with or in relation to other words often helps us retain them.
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