Linguistics: Hypernyms and Hyponyms

Revised as of
7 Mar 2023

Contrary to my belief, a hypernym is part of linguistics and not part of homonym word play. Instead, it’s another way of categorizing words, of drilling down from a generic word (the hypernym) to more specific, descriptive words (hyponyms).

Linguistics is . . .

. . . the systematic study of the nature, structure, and variation of language (of which grammar is a part), which describes how people use language. As I discover more examples, also-known-ases, and additions, I’ll update this post. If you have a suggestion, I would appreciate you contacting me.

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Hypernym
Part of Speech: Linguistics
Definition: A general word whose meaning includes the more specific meanings of other words, the hyponym. Post Contents Hyponym Co-hyponym A.k.a. hyperonym, superordinate, supertype
Hyponym	Definition: A more specific term, a subdivision of the more general hypernym. A.k.a. subordinate
Return to top	Examples:
	Hypernym Hyponym flower daisy rose dog cocker spaniel dachshund German shepherd bear brown grizzly polar koala step doorstep footstep animal bitch rat color red blue green appliance stove sink refrigerator hair dryer
Co-hyponym	Definition: A word or phrase that shares the same hypernym as another word or phrase. Think of it as a “sister” hyponym. A.k.a. cohyponym
	Hypernym Hyponym Co-hyponym animal, mammal elephant dog, cat, kangaroo see glimpse stare, gaze, ogle red pink scarlet, orange, hot pink, pumpkin pig piglet sow, boar, hog cook bake boil, grill, fry, steam, roast
	Rule: Two predicates are co-hyponyms when they are hyponyms of the same hypernym. They are not necessarily compatible hyponyms.
	Hypernym Hyponym Compatible Co-hyponym Incompatible Co-hyponym fruit apple plum, banana, pear fruit apple Macintosh, Delicious, Fiji

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C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!

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Resources for Hypernyms and Hyponyms

Nordquist, Richard. “Definition and Examples of Hypernyms in English.” ThoughtCo. 3 July 2019. Web. n.d. <https://www.thoughtco.com/hypernym-words-term-1690943>.

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Pinterest Photo Credits:

RMS Titanic by F.G.O. Stuart (1843-1923); USS Constitution, 1997, by Journalist 2nd Class Todd Stevens; and, Moragsoorm by archiwum własne wikingów, Jarmeryk, are all in the public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Spirit of Canterbury Container Ship by Bernard Spragg is in the public domain, via Flickr. Sailing America: Beginning of Newest Amphibious Assault Ship’s Legacy on Sea is a US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Lewis Hunsaker and is in the public domain, via Navy Live.