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hypernym Meaning & Definition

/ˈhaɪpənɪm/

What Does Hypernym Mean?

As a noun, hypernym means A superordinate word or phrase; a term whose referents form a set which includes as a subset the referents of a subordinate term—as, for example, insect (being a hypernym) for ant.

Hypernym at a Glance

Part of speechnoun
Pronunciation/ˈhaɪpənɪm/
Synonymssuperordinate, superordinate word and blanket term
Antonymshyponym, species and subordinate
Pluralhypernyms

Hypernym Definition (Noun)

  1. A superordinate word or phrase; a term whose referents form a set which includes as a subset the referents of a subordinate term—as, for example, insect (being a hypernym) for ant.

    “Musical instrument” is a hypernym of “guitar” because a guitar is a musical instrument: a guitar belongs to a class or type of musical instruments.

Noun

  1. A superordinate word or phrase; a term whose referents form a set which includes as a subset the referents of a subordinate term.

    “Musical instrument” is a hypernym of “guitar” because a guitar is a musical instrument.

Synonyms of Hypernym

Hypernym synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Hypernym

Hypernym in a Sentence

“Musical instrument” is a hypernym of “guitar” because a guitar is a musical instrument: a guitar belongs to a class or type of musical instruments.

Hypernyms of “dog” and “cat” include “mammal”, “homeotherm”, “carnivore”, and “quadruped”.

“Musical instrument” is a hypernym of “guitar” because a guitar is a musical instrument.

Word Forms & Grammar

hypernym (plural hypernyms)

Origin of Hypernym

From hyper- (“over”) +‎ -nym (“name”). From Ancient Greek roots; compare Latinate “superordinate term”.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hypernym

What part of speech is hypernym?

Hypernym is a noun.

What is another word for hypernym?

You can replace hypernym with words such as superordinate, superordinate word and blanket term. See the full list of hypernym synonyms and antonyms.

What is the opposite of hypernym?

Antonyms of hypernym include hyponym, species and subordinate.

What is the plural of hypernym?

The plural of hypernym is hypernyms.

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