Hyponym meaning

A hyponym is a word that is a more specific term within a broader category.


Hyponym definitions

Word backwards mynopyh
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division hy-po-nym
Plural The plural of "hyponym" is "hyponyms".
Total letters 7
Vogais (1) o
Consonants (5) h,y,p,n,m

Hyponym is a term used in linguistics and semantics to describe a word that is more specific than another word. In other words, a hyponym is a word that represents a subcategory of a more general word, known as a hypernym. For example, "poodle" is a hyponym of the hypernym "dog," as it is a specific type of dog.

Types of Hyponyms

There are various types of hyponyms, including coordinate hyponyms, which are words that belong to the same level of categorization but have different features. For example, "apple" and "orange" are coordinate hyponyms of the hypernym "fruit." Another type is subordinate hyponyms, which are words that are more specific than others in a hierarchical structure. For instance, "poodle" is a subordinate hyponym of the hypernym "dog."

Relationship with Hypernyms

The relationship between hyponyms and hypernyms is hierarchical, with hypernyms representing broader categories and hyponyms representing narrower subcategories within those broader categories. This relationship helps organize and categorize vocabulary, making language more efficient and precise. For example, in the hypernym "bird," hyponyms such as "robin," "eagle," and "sparrow" represent specific types of birds.

Importance in Language

Understanding hyponyms is essential in language comprehension and expression. By recognizing the relationships between words and their broader or narrower categories, individuals can communicate more effectively and precisely. Hyponyms provide depth and specificity to language, allowing for more nuanced and detailed descriptions. They also play a crucial role in categorization and classification in various fields, including linguistics, literature, and everyday communication.

In conclusion, hyponyms are an integral part of language that helps to organize and categorize words into broader and narrower categories. By understanding the relationship between hyponyms and hypernyms, individuals can enhance their language skills and effectively convey information. The use of hyponyms adds depth and precision to communication, making it a valuable concept in linguistics and semantics.


Hyponym Examples

  1. Rose is a hyponym for flower.
  2. Car is a hyponym for vehicle.
  3. Apple is a hyponym for fruit.
  4. Poodle is a hyponym for dog.
  5. Oak is a hyponym for tree.
  6. Violin is a hyponym for instrument.
  7. Lemon is a hyponym for citrus.
  8. Dove is a hyponym for bird.
  9. Tiger is a hyponym for carnivore.
  10. Blue is a hyponym for color.


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  • Updated 12/05/2024 - 21:14:08