hypernym
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈhaɪpərnɪm/
KK: /ˈhaɪpərnɪm/
noun
Definition
A word or phrase that is more general and can include other words or phrases as specific examples.
Example
The word 'animal' is a hypernym for 'dog' and 'cat'.
Conversation
Have you ever heard of the term hypernym?
Yeah, it's a word that describes a category, right?
Exactly! Like how 'animal' is a hypernym for 'dog' and 'cat'.
Totally! It's interesting how language groups words like that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
category
class
type
Antonyms
hyponym
instance
specific
Root Explanation
Hypernym → It is formed from "hyper-" (meaning over or above) and "nym" (from Greek "onuma", meaning name). The word "hypernym" refers to a name that is more general or broader than other names, thus encompassing them.
Memory Tip
Think of 'hyper-' meaning 'over' or 'above' — a hypernym is a name that is above or more general than other specific names.
Visually Confused Words
hyponym