Using Word Relationships
Many kinds of word relationships are possible. When looking at relationships the
order of the words is important. Changing the order changes the relationship. In
word relationships, the colon (:) is an abbreviation of the phrase "is to." For
example, instead of "white is to black," "white: black" is written. Like all
abbreviations, this one saves space and time. Again, remember that there are
countless kinds of relationships that can be constructed.
Common Word Relationships
| Relationship |
Definition |
Examples |
| Synonym |
Two words have the same or
nearly the same meaning |
dirty : nasty
worn: used
calm: peaceful |
| Antonym |
One word means the opposite of
another |
hot: cold
late: early
new : old |
| Homonym |
Two words sound alike |
blue: blew
lie: lye
here: hear |
| Part to whole |
A piece or portion of something
is related to the total object |
toe: foot
sole: shoe
leaf : plant
wall: room |
| Whole to part |
The whole is related to one of
its parts |
tree : trunk
house: room
coat: sleeve |
| Age or size |
An animate (living) or inanimate
(nonliving) object is
related to a younger or older object of the same type |
fawn: deer
freshman: senior
calf: cow
mother: child |
| Rhyme |
Although items do not begin with
the same sound/letter, the ending sounds are the same |
goat: boat
trouble: bubble
slow : toe
light: kite |
| Person to location |
A person is related to the place
with which he is associated |
sailor : ship
criminal : jail
President: White House |
| Object to use |
Something is related to its
function |
oven: bake
soap: clean
broom: sweep |
| Source to object |
The place from which an item is
taken and the item are compared |
pound: stray dog
bakery : cookies
mind: thought |
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