topic

Opposite Meaning

Illustration for Opposite Meaning
Verbal Reasoning learning illustration for 11+.

Antonyms express contrasting meanings; the correct opposite depends on context and word sense.

Let’s learn

Core knowledge: Antonyms express contrasting meanings; the correct opposite depends on context and word sense.

Identify precise opposites and reject merely unrelated words.

See it

The opposite of scarce is abundant, not expensive. Scarce refers to availability, so the antonym must contrast availability.

Try it together

Place word pairs on semantic scales: freezing–cold–warm–boiling; whisper–speak–shout.

Now you try

1. Opposite of ancient: modern / broken / stone / famous. 2. Opposite of expand: contract / explain / remove / lift. 3. Give two possible opposites of light in different contexts.

Check your answers

1. modern. 2. contract. 3. heavy (weight) and dark (brightness).

Practice this lesson

Lesson resources

Browse the available practice activities and worksheets for this lesson.

Open course resources

Your progress

Ready to continue?