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Synonyms and Antonyms: Easy Explanation for Kids with Examples

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Words with Similar and Different Meanings

There are many pairs of words in the English language that have slight differences between them and such similar words are called synonyms, while the opposite ones are called antonyms. The sentences become a lot clearer and have a lot more sense when one uses more uncommon words that convey the same meaning rather than the same old frequently used words.


Words with Similar and Different Meanings


Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms and antonyms

Basic Idea About Synonyms and Antonyms 

A synonym is a word, or in some situations a phrase, that has the same meaning in the same language as another word. Even though the meanings aren't identical, the terms have extremely comparable meanings in context. 


Synonymous words

Synonymous words

An antonym, as opposed to a synonym, is a term that has the exact opposite meaning to another word in the same language. It comes from the Greek words "anti" and "onym," which mean "opposite" and "name," respectively. The antonym for hot, for example, is cold, and the antonym for up is down.


Antonymous words

Antonymous words

What is a Synonym?

Good synonyms are words that have the same or almost the same meaning as another term. Some synonym examples include jump, leap, bounce, and hop, which means they all have the same (or very similar) meanings. Another example can be eagerly. Its synonyms are impatiently, anxiously, willingly, keenly, gladly, readily, etc.  


Examples of synonyms

Examples of synonyms

Meaning of Antonyms 

In the English language, antonyms are extremely valuable. Knowing what the opposite of a difficult word implies will help you understand the meaning and context of that word. Without changing the meaning of a statement, using antonyms can be a fun way to spice things up.


Examples of antonyms

Examples of antonyms

Understanding Antonyms and Synonyms Through Parts of Speech

Learning synonyms and antonyms together is a wonderful way to improve your vocabulary. Synonyms and antonyms are a fantastic way to start improving your vocabulary. 


Parts of Speech

Word

Synonym

Antonym

Nouns

Start

Begin

Finish

Up

Above

Down

Empty

Vacant

Full

Happiness

Joy

Sadness


Up Vs Down

Up Vs Down

Parts of Speech

Word

Synonym

Antonym

      Adjective

Small

Tiny

Big

Heavy

Weighty

Light

Start

Begin

Finish

Sick

Ill

Healthy


Heavy Vs Light

Heavy Vs Light

Parts of Speech

Word

Synonym

Antonym




         Verbs

Choose

Select

Reject

Gift

Present

Earning

Hard

Difficult

Easy

Drop

Fall

Pick


Examples of verb synonyms

Examples of verb synonyms

Points to Remember

While solving synonyms and antonyms, keep the following points in mind:

  • Remove the responses in the options presented that aren't relevant.

  • Keep an eye out for words that are difficult to understand.

  • Practice on a daily basis.

  • Expand your vocabulary.


Exercises for Practice

Now that you have gone through the important points about antonyms and synonyms, the following exercises will help you practice and make progress.


1. Select the most appropriate synonym for the highlighted term:

1. He drives very quickly.

A. Pace 

B. Fast

C. Swiftly 

D. Readily


2. Match the words with their respective antonyms.


Match the following worksheet

Match the following worksheet

3. Using the words given in the cloud, write the antonyms and synonyms for the words.


Complete the activity worksheet
Complete the activity worksheet 

4. Write the synonyms for the following words:

1. BRIEF

A. Short

B. Small

C. Tiny

D. Little


2. ALERT

A. Danger

B. Observant

C. Watchful

D. Intelligent

FAQs on Synonyms and Antonyms: Easy Explanation for Kids with Examples

1. What are the benefits of antonyms and synonyms?

When you use synonyms in your speech or writing, it makes it richer and more "colourful." Using antonyms might help you highlight a point, and properly explain the similarities or differences in the topic of conversation. Antonyms and synonyms, give your speech or writing style more clarity.

2. What are some examples of how synonyms and antonyms can be utilised to teach vocabulary?

Learning synonyms and antonyms together is a wonderful way to improve your way of talking. The common words used by children in their daily activities can be considered here like ‘great’ can be replaced with ‘excellent,’ ‘very bad’ can be replaced with ‘terrible.’ To help you remember new terminology, you can make a chart with synonyms and antonyms, as well as example phrases.

3. What is the distinction between synonyms and antonyms?

While the words sound similar, there is a huge difference in the meaning of synonyms and antonyms. Synonyms are words with similar meanings for example, 'huge' is a synonym for 'big.' An antonym, on the other hand, occurs when the second word is the polar opposite of the first, as in the case of 'large' versus 'small.'