antisymmetric

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌæntiˈsɪmɛtrɪk/

KK: /æntiˈsɪmɛtrɪk/

adjective

Definition

Describing a relationship where if one element is related to another, then the reverse is not true for distinct elements.

Example

In mathematics, an antisymmetric relation means that if A is related to B, then B cannot be related to A unless A and B are the same.

Conversation

Hey, do you remember that math topic we studied last week?

Yeah, I found it quite interesting, especially the part about antisymmetric relations.

Right? It was fascinating to see how it applies to different sets.

Exactly! I never thought math could be so relatable.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

nonreflexive

nontransitive

asymmetric

Antonyms

symmetric

reflexive

transitive

Root Explanation

Antisymmetric is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "symmetric" (from Greek "symmetria", meaning together or proportion). The word describes a property where a relation is not symmetric, meaning if one element is related to another, the reverse is not true.

Memory Tip

Think of 'anti-' meaning against, and 'symmetric' meaning together or proportionate. This helps you remember that 'antisymmetric' refers to a relationship that is not the same in both directions.

Visually Confused Words

axisymmetric

asymmetric

bisymmetric

anisometric