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The Family of Nyms: A Writer's Resource

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An introduction to a few members of the nym family. 

 

Meet The Nyms

I've only included Nyms that concern language, since this is a writer's resource.
  • Acronyms
  • Antonyms
  • Antagonyms
  • Capitonyms
  • Heteronyms
  • Homonyms
  • Oronyms
  • Polyonyms
  • Synonyms

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Acronyms

An acronym is an abbreviation of a title or phrase, usually formed from the first letter of each word. Some acronyms create pronouncable words.

Example of an Acronym

S.C.O.T.S. - Southern Culture On The Skids

I always enjoy seeing S.C.O.T.S. perform because their songs make me laugh.

Antagonyms

also: contronyms, autoantonyms
A word with meanings that oppose each other.

Example of a Antagonym

Left - remained behind.
Left - gone away.

He left the notebook behind when he left.

About Anatagonyms

AutoAntonyms: The Same, And Different
A list of common antagonyms (autoantonyms).

Antonyms

Antonyms are words with opposing definitions.

Example of a Antonym

Hot - above average temperature.
Cold - below average temperature.

The morning was cold, but it was hot by noon.

Capitonyms

A word that changes meaning when capitalized.

Example of a Capitonym

Bob - Diminuative or nickname of the name "Robert".
bob - To move up and down.

Bob bobbed his head in agreement as he read my definition.

Heteronyms

A heteronym is a word which changes definition based on pronounciation.

Example of a Heteronym

Content - The gist or meaning; things contained.
Content - Satisfied; accepting.

I was content with the content of the paragraph.

Learn More About Heteronyms

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More About Heteronyms

The Heteronym Homepage
Bare bones page about heteronyms.
Nym Words: Heteronyms
Good content, awful design.

Homonyms

Words that sound alike but have unrelated meanings are homonyms.

Example of a Homonym

To - indicates intention or direction.
Too - Also; in addition.
Two - One plus one.

She took two of my sweaters to college by mistake, too.

Oronyms

also Homophones
Unrelated words or phrases which are spelled differently yet pronounced the same.

Example of a Oronym

I see - within my view or understanding.
Icey - frozen water on surfaces.

I see how icey it is outside.

Learn About Grammar

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Polyonyms

Different words with an identical meaning.

Example of a Polyonym

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Synonyms

Def.

Example of a Synonym

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Learn More About Synonyms

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The Extended Nym Family

-Onyms
A more complete list of Nyms.
Nym Words
Nyms defined.

Retronym

A Retronym is a noun paired with an adjective to distinguish the original object from a more common newer version.

Example of a Retronym

Films - became silent films when movies with audio became the norm.

My girlfriend enjoys older movies, especially silent films.

Further Research

The Seven Deadly Nyms
A must read for any Googlista.

More Grammar Fun With Sister Bernadette's Barking Dog

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Tautonym

A word or taxonomic name that consists of two identical words or series of letters.

Example of a Tautonym

Bye-bye - friendly leavetaking.

This is the end of the lens. I hope it's been helpful.
Bye-bye.

~ Guest Book ~

  • legbamel Oct 14, 2008 @ 10:32 am | delete
    It cracked me up that you used SCOTS as an example of an acronym, as I've got lenses on both the band and English grammar. I'm adding this to my lensroll. Thanks!
  • Greekgeek Jun 7, 2007 @ 1:00 pm | delete
    Great idea for a lens!

    One suggestion -- include the Greek roots of the words.

    onoma = Gk for name(onyma is an Aeolic dialect spelling, a bit like southern slang), syn = with, anti = against, etc.
  • anndouglas Jan 23, 2007 @ 9:58 pm | delete
    What a great idea for a lens!
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JaZilla

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