Definition

A relationship in language where one word is a more specific term under a broader category, showing how words are related in meaning.

Example

In the sentence, 'A dog is a hyponym of animal', 'dog' is a specific type of 'animal'.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term hyponymy?

Yeah, I think it's about how some words are more specific than others, right?

Exactly! Like 'rose' is a hyponymy of 'flower'.

That's a neat way to look at it. Language is so interesting!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hyponymy → It is formed from "hypo-" (from Greek "hypo", meaning under or below) and "onym" (from Greek "onuma", meaning name). The term hyponymy refers to a relationship where one word (the hyponym) is a more specific term under a broader category (the hypernym).

Memory Tip

Think of 'under' ('hypo-') and 'name' ('onym') to remember that hyponymy describes a specific name that falls under a broader category.

Visually Confused Words