Hypernym

Quick meaning: Hypernym is a noun meaning (semantics) 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.

Meaning

(semantics) 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.

Example Sentences

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

“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.

Word Forms

• hypernyms

Synonyms for hypernym

Depending on context, synonyms include hyperonym, genus, superordinate.

Antonyms for hypernym

Common opposites include hyponym, species, subordinate.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include superordinate, hypernymy, hyperonymy, autohyponym, taxonym, holonym.

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