Know your wordy ‘nyms’

Hi there, we are just doing a fun session on how well you know your English words and the categories they fall into.

Can you give us one word to describe:

• Words that have a similar/ same meaning (8 letters).
• Words that mean exactly the opposite of a given word (8 letters).
• Words that have the same spelling and pronunciation but different meanings (8 letters).
• Words that have the same spelling but different pronunciation and meaning (10 letters).
• Words that have the same spelling and pronunciation, but take a different meaning when capitalised (10 letters).

Check the answers tab and tell us how many you got right. Hint: all the words end in ‘nyms’.

• Words that have a similar/ same meaning – synonyms.

Example: The small fridge had little boxes filled with tiny chocolates.

Small, little, and tiny, all have similar meanings and are called synonyms.

• Words that mean exactly the opposite of a given word – antonyms.

Example: There is no easy way out of this difficult situation.

Easy and difficult are antonyms, also known as opposites or contrary words.

• Words that have the same spelling and pronunciation but different meanings – homonyms.

Example: The dog’s bark came from the shed where we stored leaves and barks with medicinal properties.

The bark of a dog is no doubt different from the bark (woody covering of the stem) of a tree. Here the context holds the key to the meaning of the word.

• Words that have the same spelling but different pronunciation and meaning – heteronyms.

Example: There was no lead in the lead actor’s clothes.

Notice the difference between how you pronounce lead (the metal) and lead (as in main or important). ‘Row’ is another example of a heteronym.

• Words that have the same spelling and pronunciation, but take a different meaning when capitalised – capitonyms.

Example: It may work, but not in May.

The first use of may relates to possibility, the second refers to a month. And the difference is just the use of a capital letter.