Grammar: Antonyms - JSS2 English language Lesson Note

Understanding Antonyms

 

Definition:

- Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings.

Examples of Antonyms

 

1. Happy - Sad

   - Happy: Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.

   - Sad: Feeling or showing sorrow; unhappy.

 

2. Big - Small

   - Big: Of considerable size, extent, or intensity.

   - Small: Of a size that is less than normal or usual.

 

3. Fast - Slow

   - Fast: Moving or capable of moving at high speed.

   - Slow: Moving or operating, or designed to do so, only at a low speed; not quick or fast.

 

4. Hot - Cold

   - Hot: Having a high degree of heat or a high temperature.

   - Cold: Of or at a low or relatively low temperature, especially when compared with the temperature of the human body.

 

5. Early - Late

   -Early: Happening or done before the usual or expected time.

   -Late: Doing something or taking place after the expected, proper, or usual time.

 

6. Light - Dark

   - Light: The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.

   - Dark: With little or no light.

 

7. Strong - Weak

   -Strong: Having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks.

   -Weak: Lacking the power to perform physically demanding tasks; lacking physical strength and energy.

 

8. Full- Empty

   -Full: Containing or holding as much or as many as possible; having no empty space.

   -Empty: Containing nothing; not filled or occupied.

 

9. Good- Bad

   -Good: To be desired or approved of; having the qualities required for a particular role.

   -Bad: Of poor quality or a low standard; not such as to be hoped for or desired.

 

10. Beautiful - Ugly

    -Beautiful: Pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically.

    -Ugly: Unpleasant or repulsive, especially in appearance.

 

Tips for Identifying Antonyms

 

1. Context Clues: Pay attention to the context in which the word is used. This can help you understand the word’s meaning and find its opposite.

2. Word Families: Recognize words that belong to the same family but have opposite prefixes or suffixes (e.g., happy/unhappy, possible/impossible).

3. Practice: Regularly practise with lists of common antonyms to improve your understanding and recall.

 

 Examples of Sentences Using Antonyms

 

1. The room was dark, but when we turned on the light, it became bright.

2. He felt very weak after the illness, but he soon regained his strength.

3. The cup was full of juice, but now it is empty.

4. She arrived early to the meeting, but he was late.

5. The movie was boring, but the book was exciting.

 

By regularly practising and using these notes, students can improve their understanding and use of antonyms, which will enhance their vocabulary and language skills.