hypernym
hypernym — noun
- hypernymsingular
- hypernymsplural
1. a word that names a broad group or general category that contains more specific
a word that names a broad group or general category that contains more specific words within it — for instance, 'animal' is the hypernym that covers 'dog', 'cat', and 'bird'.
In the biology textbook, 'mammal' is a hypernym that includes cats, dogs, and whales.
[term] + is a hypernym that includes + [list of specifics]
Vikram learned that 'vehicle' is the hypernym for car, bus, and bicycle.
[term] + is the hypernym for + [list]
When Manuela organises her notes, she writes the hypernym first and lists the examples below.
A dictionary entry for 'spaniel' might use 'dog' as a hypernym to explain the meaning.
- superordinate
more technical synonym, commonly used in academic linguistics; 'hypernym' is the standard term in lexical semantics
- generic term
less formal and used in everyday contexts; 'fruit' is a generic term for apples, bananas, and oranges
- umbrella term
informal synonym that emphasizes the covering function; often used in general writing rather than linguistic theory
- hyponym
a word with a more specific meaning that belongs under a hypernym; 'poodle' is a hyponym of 'dog'
文法句型
hypernym + for/of + [specific examples]
[specific word] + is + a hypernym + of + [broader category]
用法筆記
Frequently used in linguistics and vocabulary-learning contexts. Contrast with 'hyponym', which is a more specific word that falls under a hypernym — for example, 'rose' is a hyponym of 'flower'.