Lesson 2: More Complex Antonyms
Gradable, Complementary, and Converse Opposites
You already know that 'hot' and 'cold' are antonyms1. But is 'warm' also an antonym of 'hot'? Not quite. At the B2 level, we learn that there are different *types* of opposites. Understanding these types will help you use more precise language and avoid simple mistakes. This lesson will explore gradable, complementary, and converse antonyms.
Type 1: Gradable Antonyms (Opposites on a Scale)
These are the most common type. These words exist on a continuum2. Something can be *a little* hot or *very* hot.
| Word | Its Gradable Antonym | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| hot | cold | The weather isn't just hot or cold; it can also be warm or cool. |
| expensive | cheap | My new phone was expensive, but the case was cheap. |
| difficult | easy | The first question was easy, but the last one was very difficult. |
| interesting | boring | The movie was interesting, but the book was boring. |
Type 2: Complementary Antonyms (Absolute Opposites)
These are true, absolute3 opposites with no middle ground. If one is true, the other must be false.
| Word | Its Complementary Antonym | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| alive | dead | The tree is still alive, but the flowers are dead. |
| pass | fail | Did you pass or fail the exam? |
| true | false | Is the statement true or false? |
Type 3: Converse Antonyms (Relational Opposites)
These are opposites that depend on each other for their meaning. You cannot have one without the other.
| Word | Its Converse Antonym | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| husband | wife | The husband and wife have been married for ten years. |
| teacher | student | The teacher gave homework to the student. |
| buy | sell | I want to buy a moto, and my friend wants to sell his. |
Usage Note: Using Modifiers (like 'very')
The type of antonym tells you if you can use modifiers like 'very', 'a bit', or 'quite'.
- Gradable antonyms CAN be modified: "It is very hot." "The test was a bit difficult."
- Complementary and Converse antonyms usually CANNOT be modified. It sounds strange to say "very dead" or "a bit of a husband."
In Conversation
Srey asks Bora about his exam.
Srey: Your exam results are here! Were you nervous?
Bora: Yes! So, did I pass or fail?
Srey: You passed! You got an 'A'! I'm so happy for you.
Bora: I'm not sad either! I thought it was very difficult.
Srey: I told you it would be easy for you. You're a great student, and you have a great teacher!
Bora: That is true, not false. Let's go celebrate. We can go somewhere expensive!
quiz Check Your Understanding
1. The words 'hot' and 'cold' are what type of antonym?
- a) Gradable
- b) Complementary
- c) Converse
Click to see the answer
Answer: a) Gradable (because something can be 'very hot' or 'a little cold').
2. The words 'buy' and 'sell' are what type of antonym?
- a) Gradable
- b) Complementary
- c) Converse
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) Converse (You cannot have a buyer without a seller).
3. Which sentence is grammatically correct?
- a) The answer is very false.
- b) The test was very difficult.
- c) He is a bit of a teacher.
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) The test was very difficult. ('Difficult' is gradable).
edit Your Mission
- My Examples: For each category, write one pair of antonyms you know. Gradable: ______ / ______. Complementary: ______ / ______. Converse: ______ / ______.
- Sentence Practice: Write one sentence using a gradable antonym (e.g., "The coffee was a bit cold.") and one sentence using a complementary antonym (e.g., "The light is either on or off.").
- Speak: Your mission is to use a gradable antonym with a modifier like 'very' or 'a little' in a conversation. (e.g., "The weather today is a little hot." or "That movie was very boring.")
book Lesson Glossary
- Antonym (noun) - Khmer: ពាក្យផ្ទុយ - A word that means the opposite of another word. ↩
- Continuum (noun) - Khmer: ការបន្ត - A continuous scale or range where things can vary slightly. ↩
- Absolute (adjective) - Khmer: ដាច់ខាត - Complete and total; not relative. ↩
- Gradable Antonym (noun phrase) - Khmer: ពាក្យផ្ទុយអាចដាក់កម្រិតបាន - An opposite that exists on a scale (e.g., hot/cold). ↩
- Complementary Antonym (noun phrase) - Khmer: ពាក្យផ្ទុយបំពេញ - An absolute opposite with no middle ground (e.g., alive/dead). ↩
- Converse Antonym (noun phrase) - Khmer: ពាក្យផ្ទុយគ្នា - An opposite pair that depends on the other for its meaning (e.g., buy/sell). ↩