Khóa luận A study on polysemy of antonymous words in English-Some related problems facing learners of english and suggested solutions

Nội dung text: Khóa luận A study on polysemy of antonymous words in English-Some related problems facing learners of english and suggested solutions

1. Haiphong private university Department of foreign languages Graduation paper a study on polysemy of antonymous words in English: some related problems facing learners of english and suggested solutions By: Nguyen Ngoc Huyen Class: NA902 Supervisor: Nguyễn Thị Yến Thoa, M.A 1
2. Hai phong – 2009 2
3. Bộ giáo dục và đào tạo tr•ờng đại học dân lập hải phòng Nhiệm vụ đề tài tốt nghiệp Sinh viên: Mã số: Lớp: Ngành: 3
4. Tên đề tài: Nhiệm vụ đề tài 1.Nội dung và các yêu cầu cần giải quyết trong nhiệm vụ đề tài tốt nghiệp (Về lý luận, thực tiễn, các số liệu cần tớnh toỏn và cỏc bản vẽ) 2. Các tài liệu, số liệu cần thiết để thiết kế, tớnh toỏn 3. Địa điểm thực tập tốt nghiệp 4
5. Cán bộ h•ớng dẫn đề tài tốt nghiệp Ng•ời h•ớng dẫn thứ nhất: Họ và tên: Học hàm, học vị: Cơ quan công tác: Nội dung h•ớng dẫn Ng•ời h•ớng dẫn thứ hai: Họ và tên: Học hàm, học vị: Cơ quan công tác: Nội dung h•ớng dẫn: 5
6. Đề tài tốt nghiệp đ•ợc giao ngày tháng năm 2009 Yêu cầu phải hoàn thành xong tr•ớc ngày tháng năm 2009 Đã nhận nhiệm vụ ĐTTN Đã giao nhiệm vụ ĐTTN Sinh viên Cỏn bộ hướng dẫn ĐTTN Hải Phòng, ngày tháng năm 2009 Hiệu tr•ởng GS.TS.NGƯT Trần Hữu Nghị Phần nhận xét tóm tắt của cán bộ h•ớng dẫn 1. Tinh thần thái độ của sinh viên trong quá trình làm đề tài tốt nghiệp: 2. Đánh giá chất l•ợng của Đ.T.T.N (So với nội dung yêu cầu đã đề ra trong nhiệm vụ Đ.T. T. N trên các mặt lý luận, thực tiễn, tính toán giỏ trị sử dụng, chất lượng cỏc bản vẽ) 6
7. 3. Cho điểm của cán bộ h•ớng dẫn (ghi cả số và chữ): Hải Phòng, ngày tháng năm 2009 Cán bộ h•ớng dẫn (Ký và ghi rõ họ tên) Nhận xét đánh giá của ng•ời chấm phản biện đề tài tốt nghiệp 1. Đánh giá chất l•ợng đề tài tốt nghiệp về các mặt thu thập và phân tích tài liệu, số liệu ban đầu; cơ sở lí luận chọn ph•ơng án tối •u, cách tính toán chất l•ợng thuyết minh bản vẽ, giá trị lí luận và thực tiễn của đề tài. 7
8. 2. Cho điểm của ng•ời chấm phản biện: (Điểm ghi bằng số và chữ) Ngày tháng năm 2009 Ng•ời chấm phản biện ACKNOWLEDGEMENT First, I would like to express my sincere and special gratitude to Mrs. Nguyen Thi Yen Thoa, my supervisor, who gave me invaluable assistance and guidance during the preparation for this graduation paper. 8
9. My thanks also go to Mrs. Tran Thi Ngoc Lien, the dean of Foreign Language Department of Hai Phong Private University for her precious advice and encouragement I also would like to thank all the teachers of Foreign Language Department of Hai Phong Private University for their suggestions to my paper. Finally yet importantly, I am indebted to my family and my friends for all they have done for me. Without their help, this graduation paper would not have become reality. Hai Phong, 2009 Nguyen Ngoc Huyen. 9
10. table of contents Acknowledgement Part I: Introduction 1. Rationale of the study 1 2. Aims of the study 1 3. Scope of the study 2 4. Methods of the study 2 5. Design of the study 2 Part II: Development Chapter I: Theoretical background 1. Antonym in English 4 1.1. Definitions 4 1.2. Classification of Antonyms 7 1.2.1 Based on the meaning 7 1.2.1.1 Gradable antonyms. 7 1.2.1.2. Complementary antonyms 9 1.2.1.3. Conversive antonyms 10 1.2.1.4. Directional antonyms 12 1.2.2. Based on the derivation 13 1.2.2.1. Root _ word antonyms 13 1.2.2.2. Derivational antonyms 13 1.2.3. Based on the part of speech 14 1.2.3.1. Antonymous nouns 14 10
11. 1.2.3.2. Antonymous verbs 15 1.2.3.3. Antonymous adjectives 16 1.2.3.4 Antonymous adverbs 17 2. Polysemy in English 18 2.1. Definitions 18 2.2. Types of polysemy 19 2.2.1. Radional polysemy 19 2.2.2. Chain polysemy 20 Chapter II: Antonyms of polysemantic words 1. Antonyms of polysemantic nouns 22 1.1. Antonyms of loss 22 1.2. Antonyms of master 23 2. Antonyms of polysemantic verbs 24 2.1. Antonyms of maintain 24 2.2. Antonyms of melt 25 2.3. Antonyms of take 27 3. Antonyms of polysemantic adjectives 28 3.1. Antonyms of dull 28 3.2. Antonyms of dry 30 3.3. Antonyms of hard 31 3.4. Antonyms of heavy 33 3.5. Antonyms of severe 35 3.6. Antonyms of short 36 3.7. Antonyms of strong 37 4. Antonyms of polysemantic adverbs 39 Antonyms of right 39 11
12. Chapter III: Implication 1. Some related problems 41 2. Some suggested solutions 42 3. Exercises 44 Part III: Conclusion 52 References 12
13. part i introduction 1. Rationale With more than 6 million speakers in every part of the world, English now has taken its place as the most important international language. Therefore, the goal of learning and using this language is not just the knowledge of grammatical rules but also the knowledge of lexicology, especially, antonyms of polysemy words which will pave a way for learners reach to the goal of successful communication. Simply, answer to the question of why antonyms of polysemantic word should be studied is beacause it has received considerably more attention in recent times than many other linguistics phenomena. Many examples of antonyms of polysemantic word become deeply ingrained in our mental lexicon from infancy. Opposites are quickly learnt and rarely forgotten. Furthermore, antonyms of polysemantic words which are popularly in our life make confusing with the learners. 2. Aims of the study:  This study gives the overview of antonym and polysemy in English.  The meanings of polysemantic words are explained more carefully in this study.  The study analyses antonyms in the typical cases.  A lot of exercises are given in order that the learner practise and enrich their vocabulary. 13
14. 3. Scope of the study This study looks into the antonym polysemantic word and gives how to choose an antonym of a polysemantic word. Besides, it provides the reader the general view on English antonyms such as: definition, characteristic features and classification with illustrated examples. In the main part, this study gives antonyms of a polysemantic word in order to use words exactly and appropriately. Polysemy is used commonly in English, however, the study pays attention to analyse the typical cases in order that the theory is made clear. 4. Methods of the study To carry out this rearch, qualitive methods are mainly implimented I rearch for relevant knowledge from different books, dictionaries and web pages. Based on the knowledge, collected, and studied, I systemized into a logical theoretical background of antonyms and polysemy in English and give typical polysemantic word groups and explain their antonyms in different situations. With the difficulties I myself can not solve, I discussed with my teachers and friends and asked for their advice and instructions. 5. Design of the study In order to help readers understand easily, this study is devided into three parts: part I - introduction : gives the background of the study. It comprises five conponents: 1. Rationale of the study 2. Aims of the study 3. Scope of the study 4. Methods of the study 14
15. 5. Design of the study part II - development: includes three chapters: Chapter I: Theoretical background: Provides the background to the study. It consists of antonyms and polysemy. Chapter II: The antonyms of polysemantic words in English. Chapter III: Implication: gives some releated problems, suggested solutions and provides some exercises for practice. Part III: Conclusion: summarises the content of the whole study and suggests and ideas for further study. 15
16. part II: development chapter I: theoretical background 1. antonyms in english 1.1. Definitions In the book named ‚Basic English lexicology‛ (2005), Hoang Tat Truong gave the definition of antonyms: ‚Antonyms are two (or rarely more) words belonging to the same part of speech, identical in style and nearly identical in distribution, associated and used together so that their denotative meanings render contracdictory”. For example: Day – night Hot – cold Tie – untie ‚My only love sprung from my only hate too early seen unknow and known too late‛ (Hoang Tat Truong, 2005:84) In the example, there are three pairs of antonyms: love vs hate early vs late and known and unknow. Love vs hate and known vs unknown indicate actions, so they are verbs, and a pair of antonym: early vs late are adjectives because they indicate the time. Love is opposite of hate, in terms of the contractory affection, so love = not hate. Similarily, On the basis of contrary time, late is opposite of early and unknown is antonym of known, according to the different awareness. 16
17. Futhermore, two sentences that differ in polarity like these are mutually contradictory. If one is true, the other must be false. Two sentences have the same subject and have predicates, which are antonym also mutually contractory. For example: The television in on now The television is off now. Jack is a good boy Jack’s a bad boy. Bob loves football Bob hates football (Hanh, 2006:90) Lexemes like on and off, good and bad, love and hate are pairs of antonyms. They indicate the words of the same part of speech, which have contrasting or opposite meanings. Besides, there is another simple defininion of antonym claiming that: “antonyms are word pair that are opposite in meaning such as hot and cold, up and down, etc. word may have different antonyms, depending on the meaning. Both long and tall are antonyms of short‛ (www.en.vikipedia.org). For example: She took a plate and gave me a clean one. (Michael, 2000: 551) In the example, there is a pair of antonym: take and give. In the sentence, take means receive In terms of the contrary relation, take and give are antonyms. 17
18. Furthermore, take is the polysemantic word; it has many meanings in which have many antonyms. For example, take has three antonyms: give, put and bring. How to find antonyms of polysemantic word is carefully studied in the chapter II. The definition of Hoang Tat Truong, we can see that the words seem opposite meaning but they don’t have associations together, so, they are not antonyms. For example, in the sentence: she is beautiful but lazy; He is rich but he is unhappy , beautiful – lazy, rich – unhappy seem opposite words but they are not antonyms because they have no associations together . Late and early in the example (1) are antonym because of their association. Oppositeness is perhaps not such a pervasive meaning in the vocabulary of English as synonym, but it has an important role in structuring the vocabulary of English. Many antonyms are explained by the means of the negative particle ‚not‛. Almost every word can have one or more antonyms. Like synonyms, antonyms occupy an important place in the use of idioms. For example: Backwards and forwards From first to last In black and white. Not only words, but set expresssions as well, can be grouped into antonymic pairs, for example: by accident >< on purpose. Conclusion, Antonym is a word to another word which holds a general or specific oppositing meaning, idea or concept and word may have different antonyms. 18
19. 1.2. Classification of antonyms We can base on the meaning, the derivation and the part of speech to classify antonyms. 1.2.1. Based on the meaning Antonyms cover a number of different types of oppositeness of meaning. Four types are commonly identified by John Lyons (1992:284) are gradable antonyms, contradictory or complementary antonyms, relational or conversive antonyms and directional antonyms. 1.2.1.1. Graded antonyms Graded antonyms are understood as antonyms which operate on a continuum, such often occur in binomial phrases with and: (blow) hot and cold, (search) high and low. (Tom Mc Arthur, ‚Antonym‛, The Oxford. Companion to the English language, Oxford University Press, 1992) For example: Short – long Rich – poor These pairs are called gradable antonyms because they do not represent an either or relation but rather a more / less relation. The more/less relation is evident in a number of ways. One way is that those terms allow comparion, so, they can take both comparative (happier) and superlative (happiest), for example: My arm is longer than yours I love a good book more than a good meal. (Hoa, 2002:31) 19
20. One the other hand, because the adjectives are not mutually exclusive, they can be qualified by adverbial of degree e.g. quite happy, extremely happy, fairly happy, ect. Furthermore, their meanings are relative to each other. One meaning is determined in reference to the meaning of the other. Since contraries are gradale, the semantic contrast in a contrary pair is relative. There are often intermediate terms between the two opposites. Thus, we have not just rich and poor, but there are such gradations as rich, well-to-do, well-off, moderately, wealthy, comfortably off, hard up, poor. Especially, the negation of one does not mean the assertion of the other ‚he is not rich‛ does not mean ‚he is poor‛. According to Hoang Tat Truong, ‚in dealing with antonymic oppsitions it may be helpful to treat antonyms in terms of ‚marked‛ and ‚unmarked‛ menbers. The unmarked member can be more widely used and very often can include the referents of the marked member but not vice versa. This proves that their meanings have some components in common‛. So, this kind of antonyms can be analysed in terms of markedness. For example: How tall is he? (no implication, to ask his height and the asker don’t know that he is tall or short) How short is he? (implication that he is short) Similarily, beautiful is an antonym of ugly in terms of the contrary appearance. They are gradable antonyms because we might say she is quite beautiful, she is rather ugly, or she is more beautiful than her younger sister. Addition to, there are intermediate terms between beautiful and ugly: Beautiful: pretty: good-looking: plain: ugly .Moreover, we might say that: 20
21. How beautiful is she? (no implication, to ask her appearance and the asker don’t know that she is beautiful or ugly. How ugly is she? (implication that she is ugly) Likely, these adjectives are gradable antonyms Beautiful – ugly Easy – difficult Wide – narrow Increase – decrease Love – hate Fast – slow To sum up, gradable antonyms are antonyms which take both comparative and superlative, can be qualified by adverbial of degree, have intermediate terms between the two opposites and can be analyzed in terms of markedness. 1.2.1.2. Complementary antonyms Tom Mc Arthur gave the definition of complementary antonyms: Complementary antonyms are antonyms which express an either or relationship, e.g. dead or alive, male or female. (Tom Mc Arthur, ‚Antonym‛, The Oxford. Companion to the English language, Oxford University Press, 1992) For example: Shut – open Win – lose Permit – forbid 21
22. These pairs of antonyms are in relation of oppositeness: if we shut the window, then it is not open; if we lose a game, then we do not win it, If we permit someone behavior, then it is not forbidden. Similarily, these pairs of antonyms are complementary antonyms (Asleep is an antonym of awake in terms of the contrary state, if we asleep =we don’t awake. Dead in an antonym of alive in terms of the contrary existence, if someone is dead = someone in not alive ) Asleep – awake Dead – alive On – off Shut – open Permit – forbid True – false In short, complementary antonyms are the antonyms involving two items that presuppose that the assertion of one is the negation of the order. 1.2.1.3. Conversive antonyms According to Tom Mc Arthur, ‚The conversive antonym in which one describes a relationship between two objects and the other describes the same relationship when the two objects are reversed‛. (Tom Mc Arthur, ‚Antonym‛, The Oxford. Companion to the English language, Oxford University Press, 1992) For example: Buy – sell Husband – wife 22
23. Above – below For each other pair of antonyms, one expresses the conversive meaning of the other. In the case of sentence with buy and sell, for example, the same transaction is expressed from different (conversive) perspectives: Ted bought the car from Henry Henry sold the car to Ted (Hanh, 2006:89) In the example, bought is an antonym of sold in terms of the contractory relation in market. Similarily with nouns as husband and wife, a sentence may express the relationship in one of two conversive ways. For example: Vicky is Karl’s wife Karl is Vicky’s husband. (Hanh, 2006:89) In the example, wife is an antonym of husband on the basic of the contrary relationship in family. Similarily, the pairs of adjectives are relational antonyms (Teacher is an antonym of student in terms of the contrary relationship in school. Left is an antonym of right in terms of the contractory direction ) Teacher – student Left – right Speak – listen Above – below Before – after 23
24. Give – receive . In nutshell, relational antonyms are the antonyms which are opposite or contrasting in the order of participants and their roles. 1.2.1.4. Directional antonyms Directional antonyms are understood as: directional antonyms are the antonyms which are opposite in the directions. For example: Arrive – depart With the pair of antonyms ‘arrive- depart’, a sentence may mention to different and conversive way to each: The 8-hour-train has departed the station and will have arrived at Ha Noi by 10.30. (Hung, 2006:98) In the sentence, arrive is an antonym of depart in terms of the contractory direction. Similarily, these adjectives are directional antonyms (up is antonym of down, arrive is an antonym of depart, into is an antonym of out in term of the contractory direction): Up – down Arrive – depart Into – out 24
25. To sum up, directional antonyms are antonyms which indicate the contractory direction. 1.2.2. Based on the derivation. Hung (2006:99) classified antonyms into two main types: Root word antonyms and derivational antonyms. 1.2.2.1 Root_ word antonyms: In the first place, it is neccessary to understand ‚root word antonyms are words completely different in sound- forms. They are of different roots‛. For example: - Old Young She is old but her friend is young. -Give Take Mary gives 25$ for the boy and she takes his hat. (Hoang Tat Truong, 1993: 77) In the example, the pairs of antonyms: Old – young, give – take are different in sound-forms and different roots. To sum up, root word antonyms are antonyms which are different in sound- forms and different roods. 1.2.2.2. Derivational antonyms According to Hoang Tat Truong, derivational antonyms are words formed by derivation (words of the same roots). (Hoang Tat Truong, 1993:77) For example: 25
26. The plane appeared in the sky, then suddenly disappered behind a cloud. (New vocabulary in use – Stuart Redman & Ellen Show) In the sentence appear and disappear are antonyms in which appear is added dis prefix in order to creat its antonym. So, they called derivational antonyms. Similarily, these adjectives are derivational antonyms: Like – dislike Appear – disappear Useful – useless Logical – illogical . To sum up, Derivational antonyms are words formed by adding negative prefixes or suffixes. 1.2.3. Based on the part of speech Based on the part of speech, antonyms were divided into four types: antonymous nouns, antonymous verbs, antonymous adjectives, and, antonymous verbs. 1.2.3.1. Antonymous nouns: Antonymous nouns are antonyms which are typically found among nouns. For example: ‚It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us ‛ (Charles & Miller, 1989:247) 26
27. The bolded words are the antonyms; they are nouns in the part of speech. Thus, they are called antonymous nouns. Similarily, these nouns are antonymous nouns (wisdom is an antonym of foolishness in terms of the contractory characteristic, light is an antonym of darkness in terms of the contractory brightness ) Wisdom – foolishness Light – darkness Hope – despair Everything – nothing 1.2.3.2. Antonymous verbs Antonymous verbs are antonyms which are typical found among verbs. For example: I had to pack my suitcase very quickly, so when I unpacked at the hotel, most of my clothes looked terrible. (1) (New vocabulary in use – Stuart Redman & Ellen Show) She took my plate and gave me a clean one. (2) (Michael, 2000: 551) Pack and unpack, take and give are the pairs of antonyms in terms of the contractory relation in the two examples. Moreover, they denote the actions so they are verbs of the sentence, and we call them antonymous verbs. Similarly, these pairs of antonyms are antonymous verbs (bring and take, live and die, open and close, weep and laugh are antonyms on the basis of relation ) To bring – to take 27
28. To live – to die To open – to close To weep – to laugh 1.2.3.3. Antonymous adjectives Antonymous adjectives are antonyms which are typically found among adjectives. For example: Old – young Best – worst ‚It was the best of time; it was the worst of time ‛ (1) (Dickens) She is old but her friend is young. (2) (Truong, 1993: 77) In the example (1), (2) best and worst, old and young are antonyms. Their functions in the sentences are adjectives. Therefore, we call them antonymous adjectives. Similarly, these pairs of antonyms are antonymous adjective (long is an antonym of short in terms of the contractory length, wide is an antonym of narrow in terms of the contractory width ) Long – short Wide – narrow Rough – smooth Deep – shallow Fast – slow 28
29. 1.2.3.4. Antonymous adverbs Antonymous adverbs are antonyms which are typically found among adverbs. We consider the following examples: Does he work fast or slow? (Streamline English: lesson 38) But today English are playing very well and Scotland are playing badly? (Streamline English: lesson 38) The bolded words in the two examples are antonyms (fast is an antonym of slow in terms of speed, badly is an antonym of well in terms of manner) and their funtion in the sentences is adverb, therefore, we call them antonymous adverb. Likewise, these adverbs are antonymous adverbs (Outside and inside are adverbs and they are antonyms in terms of the contractory direction, carefully and carelessly are adverbs and they are antonyms in terms of the contrary manner ) For example: Outside – inside Carefully – carelessly Ever – never Merrily – sadly Loudly – softly To sum up, according to the part of speech, there are four types of antonyms: antonymous adjectives, antonymous verbs, antonymous nouns, and antonymous adverbs. 29
30. 2. Polysemy in English 2.1. Definitions There are several definitions about polysemy. Firstly, Crystal gave the definition of polysemy as: The word polysemy is of Greek orgin (GK polys, much + sema, meaning). It has been defined as ‚ A term used in semantic anlysis to refer to the lexical item which has a range of different meanings. (Crystal 1980: 274)‛ According to the definition of Crystal, a polysemy is a word which has a lot of different meanings, however, bank in river bank and bank of English is not polysemy although it has two different meanings. In some cases bank are homonymous: they share no meaning whatsoever; they function as two totally unrelated words. Thus, Hoa gave the other definition of polysemantic word Polysemantic words refer to the words, which have several releted senses. For example: The house is at the foot of the mountains. One of his shoes felt too tight for his foot. (Using English. com) Foot here refers the bottom part of the mountains in the first sentence and the bottom part of the leg in the second. Similarily, mouth is a polysemantic word because it has related senses For example: Mouth: of the river Mouth: of an animal 30
31. The English word mouth refers first to the opening of the vocal cavity, but next to this refers to the point where a river joins the sea. Note: One – meaning words (so called monosemic word) are very rare. They are very often scientific terms, e.g., oxygen, moon walk, and, earthrise. Conclusion, Polysemy is the ambiguity of an individual word or phrase that can be used (in different contexts) to express two or more different meanings which is related. 2.2. Types of polysemy Polysemy has two types: radial polysemy and chain polysemy. 2.2.1. Radial polysemy: Radial polysemy is defined that ‚all the transferred meanings are formed on the basis of one literal / direct meaning‛. 2 3 1 5 4 For example: Get is radial polysemy The verb to get can mean take I’ll get the drinks. The verb to get can mean become 31
32. She got scared. The verb to get can mean have I’ve got three dollars. The verb to get can mean understand I get it. (www.absoluteastronomy.com/ topic/ polysemy-31k) Similarily, table is radial polysemy 1. a thin flat piece of stone/ metal/with four legs. 2. part of a machine tool on which work is operated 3. a level area, a plateau 4. the people seated at the table 5. the food on the table 2.2.2. Chain polysemy Chain polysemy are understood that: The second meaning is formed the basis of the first, the third meaning on the basis of the second and soon. Sense 1 sense 2 sense 3 For example: He won’t be able to lift such a heavy suitcase. He’s only nine years old. (1) He’s been a heavy smoker and drinker all his adult life. (2) (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) Heavy is a polysemantic word because it has the following senses In the context (1), the first meaning of heavy is weigh. 32
33. Moving the context (2), beacause, heavy belongs to chain polysemy in which the second meaning is formed then basis of the first. A heavy smoker is a person who smokes more than the usual smoker and has difficulty in quitting it. Thus, the second meaning of heavy refers to be of more than a usual. Similarily, Head is a chain polysemy. For example: Head: part of the body – a human being – a leader/ chief. For example: The ball hit her on the head. In the sentence, the sense of head is the part of the body. There are forty heads in the meeting. In the sentence, the sense of head is human being. He is the head of my department. In the sentence, the sense of head is the leader. Conclusion, there are two types of polysemy: radial polysemy and chain polysemy. 33
34. Chapter II: Antonyms of polysemantic words The theory to study which consists of antonyms and polysemy, are provided in the chapter I. Thus, antonyms of polysemantic words are study in this chapter. In the chapter II, antonyms of adjectives, antonyms of verbs, antonyms of nouns, and antonyms of adverbs are studied carefully. 1. Antonyms of polysemantic nouns In the part, we study the cases of polysemantic nouns. According to Hoang Tat Truong (1993, 76) ‚abstract nouns have antonym but concrete noun have no antonym‛. And he said that conversive doesn’t belong to antonym. However, in this study, antonym consists of 4 type (gradable antonyms, complementary antonyms, directional antonym and conversive antonym) in which conversive antonym are opposite or contrasting in the order of participant and their roles. Therefore, concrete noun has antonym in this study. To improve this, we analyst the cases of abstract noun loss and concrete noun master. 1.1. Antonyms of loss Loss is a polysemantic word; therefore, it has more than one sense. And each of sense has an antonym, which is studied in the two following examples. Considering the following example, we can find the first sense and antonym of loss. For example: The loss of this contract would be very serious. (3.2.1) (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) 34
35. In the example (3.2.1), loss is the action or an instance of failing to keep something or somebody. Basing on the contractory action about recive the contract or not, win is an antonym of loss. Moving the next sentence, we find the other sense or antonym of loss. For example: The company operated at a loss last years. (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) Loss which is in the example (3.2.2) is the amount by which the cost of a business exceeds its revenue. Thank to the contrary number of money which the company earn; profit is the antonym of loss. To sum up, we might the pairs of antonyms: loss – win, loss – profit. 1.2. Antonyms of master Master is a polysemantic noun because of its related senses and it has antonyms, which is showed in the following example. In the first example, we might find the first sense and antonym. For example: The slaves feared their master. (3.1.1) (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) The sense of master in this context is a man who has others working for him of under him. Because of the contractory relation in working (master– slave system), master is an antonym of slave. 35
36. In the next example, the sense of master is not the same as in the example (3.1.1), and it has the other antonym, e.g., a master crafts man or builder. Master is a worker skilled in a particular trade and able to teach others. Basing on the contrary ability, amateur is the antonym of master in this case. Especially, in the final sentence the sense of master transfers in the other sense and its antonym is not slave or amateur. When using master in the master tape or copied from master, master is an original version from which copies can be made. Because of the contractory original; copy is antonym of master in this case. To sum up, we might use the pairs of antonym: master – slave; master – amateur; master – copy. 2. Antonyms of polysemantic verbs Beside, polysemantic verbs have an important role in polysemy. There are many verbs which are polysemantic verbs. Therefore, we continue to studying about polysemantic verbs in this part. In the study, we analyse the cases of maintain, melt and take. 2.1. Antonyms of maintain Maintain is a polysemantic word, because, it has related senses and one of sense has an antonym, which is analysed in the following examples. In the first example: The improvement in his health is being maintained. (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) The sense of maintain in this context is to cause something to continue: to keep something in existence at the same level, standard, etc. easily to find the 36
37. antonym of maintain which is quit, because of the contractory state of the improvement. However, in the next example, antonym of maintain is spoil. For example: The house is large and difficult to maintain. (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) The sense of maintain is this example is to keep something in good condition or working order by checking or repairing it regularly. Thank to the opposite of the state of the house; we find the antonym of maintain which is spoil. Yet, the antonym of maintain in the third example is not quit or spoil. For example: He has always maintained that he was not guilty of the crime. (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) The sense of antonym maintain in this context is to insist that something is the case. Due to the attitude is different; neglect is antonym of maintain. To sum up, we might use the pairs of antonyms according to the context: maintain – quit, maintain – spoil, maintain – neglect. 2.2. Antonyms of melt. Melt has related senses because it is a polysemantic word; it has antonyms according to its sense, which is explained in the following examples. In the first example, we can find the first sense and antonym. For example: 37
38. The ice melted in the sun. (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) The sense of melt in this sentence is to become or make something liquid through heating. Basing on the contractory state of the ice; the antonym of melt is freeze. Moving the next example, melt has the other sense and its antonym is not freeze. For example: A sweet melts in the in the mouth. (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) The sense of melt in this context is to become soft to dissolve. As the opposite of state of sweet; harden is antonym of melt in this example. In the final example, there were the other sense and antonym of melt. For example: The sun has melted the snow way. (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) The sense of smelt in this context is to disappear or make something disappear by smelting of dissolving. Appear is the antonym of melt in this example, because of the contractory existence of the snow. To sum up, we might use the pairs of antonyms: melt – freeze, melt –harden, melt – appear. 38
39. 2.3. Antonyms of take Take is a polysemantic word, it has many senses which are radial polysemy, and it has antonyms. To prove this, we consider the following examples. For example: She took my plate and gave me a clean one. (Michael, 2000: 55) The sense of take in the example (2.1) is to be received something from somebody or get of some thing with the hands. Basing on the contractory relationship, take is antonym of give. However, take in the next sentence has the other antonym. For example: He will take you to the party and bring you home on time. (Michael, 2000: 55) The sense of take in the example (2.1) is to carry somebody or something or accompany somebody from one place to another but it doesn’t mean the move towards the listener or the speaker. Basing on the opposite about relation; the antonym of take is bring. The next example show the other antonym of take For example: I took a ring out of his pocket and put on her finger. (Michael, 2000: 55) The sense of take in this context is to extract something out of the place. Put is antonym of take in the sentence, because of the contractory on relation. 39
40. To sum up, we might use the pairs of antonyms: take – give, take – bring, take – put. 3. Antonyms of polysemantic adjectives Polysemantic adjectives occupy the largest number in antonyms, so, they play an important role in the study, which is the reason why we study on antonyms of polysemantic words in this part. 3.1 Antonyms of dull Dull is polysemantic word so it has related senses and antonyms, which is showed in these following examples. In the first example: The conference was deadly dull. Along life’s dullest, dreariest walk. (Keble) The sense of dull which is in the example is to be lack of interest or excitement, boring. Antonym of dull is interesting, in terms of the contractory characteristic. The next sentence gives the other antonym of dull. For example: She is not bred so dull but she can learn. (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) 40
41. The sense of dull is slow of understanding; wanting readiness of apprehension. Intelligent is the antonym of dull in this context, which base on the contractory ability. However, antonym of dull with the other sense in the following sentence is not interesting or intelligent. Dull describes the noun colour, the colour is dull = the colour is not bright or clear to the eye. When the (colour like red or yellow, fire, lamp, mirror) is dull, which means that A is not vivid; obscure; dim. In this case, bright is antonym of dull because of the contractory degree of color. Dull in the next sentence has the other sense and antonym. Think me not So dull a devil to forget the loss Of such a matchless wife. (Beau. & Fl) Dull describes the feeing of a devil. The devil is dull = the evil is unfeeling; insensible, he don’t know what is love; what is smile; what is happy; what is sad which is human’s feelings. When a person doesn’t know how to happy, sad, smile, cry a person is unfeeling, dull. Its antonym is lively, in terms of the contractory emotion. The following example, antonym of dull is sharp. The scythe is dull. (Herbert) 41
42. The scythe is dull = the scythe is not keen in edge or point; lacking sharpness. Basing on the contractory point, we can find its antonym which is sharp. The next example, we can find the other antonym of dull. If some one says that: today, the weather is dull. We find the meaning of dull in dictionary. In this case, dull means cloudy, not clear. The weather is dull = the weather is not clear. In terms of the contractory appear of the cloud, antonym of dull is clear. In summary, we may use the pairs of antonyms: dull – interesting, dull intelligent, dull – bright, dull – lively, dull – sharp, dull – clear. 3.2. Antonyms of dry Dry is a polysemantic word, because it has many related sense, especially, it has more than one antonym, which is analysed carefully in the following these examples. For example: Once the paint is dry, apply a coat of the red ochre emulsion paint. (Collins Co build English Dictionary for Advanced Learners 4th edition published in 2003) The sense of dry is not wet, damp, or sticky; without moisture. Therefore, if something is dry, there is no water or moisture on it or in it. The property of dry and wet is opposite; thus, dry is antonym of wet in this case, in terms of the contractory property, On the other hand, antonym of dry is not wet in the next example. For example: Exceptionally dry weather over the past year had cut agricultural production. 42
43. (Collins Co builds English Dictionary for Advanced Learners 4th edition published in 2003) The sense of dry in the sentence is little rain, so, if the weather or a period of time is dry, there is no rain or there is much less rain than average. Wet is antonym of dry in this case because of the contractory quantity. Yet, dry in sherry or wine does not have a sweet taste e.g. a crisp dry white wine; a dry sherry (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin). According to the contractory quality, sweet is its antonym in this case. Moreover, when using a hot, dry climate where the sun is shining all the time, antonym of dry in this case is wet because of the contractory on property. Nevertheless, if you say that your skin or hair is dry (English- English Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin), you mean that it is less oily than, or not as soft as normal, in this case antonym of dry is greasy due to the property of hair or skin is opposite. To sum up, we can use one the paint is wet; wet weather; a crisp sweet white wine; a sweet sherry; wet climate; or, your skin or hair is greasy. 3.3. Antonyms of hard We consider the senses and the antonyms of hard in the following example. For example: It was a hard exam and the final question was really hard – it was a hard nut to crack! (1.4.1) (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) 43
44. The sense of hard in the sentence (1.4.1) is not easy; difficult to do. In term of the contractory degree, easy is the antonym of hard in a hard exam and the question was really hard. However, hard in a hard nut to crack has no converse form, because, the expression a hard nut to crack, which means that it was difficult to do this. Considering the second example, we can find the other sense and antonym of hard. For example: It’s been a long hard day and I’ve been working very hard. (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) The sense of hard in this case is characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort. In terms of the contractory degree of effort, the antonym of hard in the sentence (1.4.2) is easy. However, hard in the following sentence has the different antonym. For example: They had a hard life and worked through hard times. We had no hard evidence that they had used hard drugs. (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) The sense of hard in a hard life and hard times is full of difficult; not easy, happy of comfortable. Beacause of the difference between degree, the antonym oh hard in this case is easy. The sense of hard in hard drugs is being distilled rather than fermented; having a high alcoholic content. Because the quality of drug is opposite; soft is antonym of hard. 44
45. To sum up we might say an easy exam, easy questions, an easy day, an easy life, easy times, soft drugs, circumstantial evidence. The expression: a hard nut to crack, which means that it was difficult to do this, has no converse form. N 3.4. Antonyms of heavy Heavy is a polysemantic word, we analysis its senses. For example: He won’t be able to lift such a heavy suitcase. He’s only nine years old. (1.1.1) (Learning English/ BBC World Service) The sense of heavy in the sentence (1.1.1) is weigh a lot, basing on the contractory on weigh, light is antonym of heavy. Especially, light is also a polysemantic word, therefore, some senses of light is opposite some senses of heavy. For example: He’s been a heavy smoker and drinker all his adult life. (1.1.2) (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) The senses of heavy in the sentence (1.2) are to be of more than a usual, according to the opposite of the time of using cigarette or wine much or little, light in antonym of heavy, Similarly, we can find the sense and antonym of heavy For example: It was a very heavy meal – far too much meat and not enough vegetables or salads. (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) 45
46. The sense of heavy which in the sentence is difficult to digest, basing on the digestion is difficult or easy, we can find antonym of heavy is light. However, the antonym of heavy which is in the sentence is not light For example: She had a very heavy cold and her breathing was heavy to breathe. (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) The sense of heavy which is in the sentence is serious, antonym of heavy is slight, because, the contractory on the seriousness or no seriousness of the cold. Nevertheless, the antonym of heavy which is in the sentence is not slight. For example: I’ve had a really heavy week – I’ve got a really heavy timetable this term. (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) The sense of heavy which is in the sentence is full of activities or busy. According to opposite of the number of activities, antonym of heavy is light. We consider the last example: For example: The First World War yielded much heavier casualties than had ever been known before. (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) The sense of heavy is full of serious. According to the contractory of degree of seriousness of casualty, we find the antonym of heavy in light. 46
47. To sum up, thinking about antonyms of heavy, although we would talk about light suitcases, light meals, light weeks, light timetables and light casualties, we wouldn’t quite so often say a light smoker or a light drinker. I think you would rarely hear someone say a light cold. Instead it would be a slight cold, although you might say that someone’s breathing was very light. (The antonyms of a word are another word which means the opposite.) 3.5. Antonyms of severe Severe is a polysemantic word; because of its senses and it has antonyms. For example: The severe weather/severe winter meant that hundreds of schools had to be closed. (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) In the sentence, the sense of severe is very bad; intense. Mild is antonym of severe, because of the opposite about the property of the weather or the winter. Moving to the next example, we find that the sense of severe is not identical in the sentence; moreover, its antonym is not mild. For example: The heavy rain caused severe damage to crops and, later on, a severe shortage of food. (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) In the sentence, the sense of severe in severe damage is very bad and the sense of severe in severe shortage is serious, in terms of the contrary on extent, antonym of severe in this case is slight. 47
48. In the final sentence, with the difference of the sense, severe has another antonym. For example: The magistrate imposed severe penalties – they were severely punished. (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) The sense of severe which is in the sentence is unsparing and uncompromising. Due to the property is different; the antonym of severe in this case is lenient. In conclusion, we would talk about mild weather and mild winters, slight damage and slight shortages, lenient penalties. 3.6. Antonyms of short Short is a polysemantic word, so, it has senses and antonyms. For example: Although my parents are tall, I am short. The coat is rather short in the sleeves. (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) Short is used to refer to a person’s height. Basing on the contrary height of person, we find tall is antonym of short. However, when we refer the height of things e.g. short fence, short wall we have antonyms short and high basing on the contractory on the height of things. Moreover, antonym of short in the next context is not tall or high. 48
49. How long is the River Nile? (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) The sense of long in this context is measuring a great or specified amount from end to end. Basing on the contractory measure; antonym of short is long. However, antonym of short with the other sense is not long, tall, or, high. For example: All his observations were short and to the point. (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) The sense of short in this context is to express in few words. Wordy is antonym of short because of the contractory quantity. To find antonyms of short, consider its sense in the context. For example: She was rather short with him, when he asked for help. (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) In the sentence, we can find the sense of short is to be short with which is curt; abrupt. Therefore, She was rather short with him = She was rather rude; impolite with him. Basing on the contractory characteristic of person, civil and short have the opposite meaning, we call them antonym. To sum up, we might use the pairs of antonyms: short – long, short –tall; short – high; short – civil; short – wordy. 3.7. Antonyms of strong Strong is a polysemantic word and has antonyms. For example: 49
50. Martina Hingis has always exerted a strong influence on the way I play tennis. (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) The sense of strong which is in the sentence is having a great effect. According to the opposite degree of effect, we find antonym of strong is weak. In the same way, we can find the sense and antonym of heavy in the sentence Although I have strong views on this, I had the strong support of everybody in the room. (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) The sense of strong in strong views which is in the sentence is to be resist influence, basing on the opposite of intensity, antonym of strong is weak. The sense of strong in strong support is to exert great influence, according to the contractory of intensity; we can find the antonym of strong is weak. In the following sentence, there are two strong which have the different meanings, so they have the different antonyms. For example: He has a strong case and there is a strong chance that his appeal will be successful. (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) The sense of strong in strong case is potent, basing on the opposite of intensity, antonym of strong in this case is weak. However, the antonym of strong (in strong chance) which means to be solid isn’t weak, because, according to the contractory degree to find antonym of strong in this case is slight. 50
51. We consider the example to find the sense and antonym of strong For example: She speaks English quite well but with a strong French accent. (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) The sense of strong which is in the sentence is influent a lot; find the antonym of strong is slight, which bases on the difference degree. We consider the last example: I am strong in the social sciences and psychology is perhaps my strongest subject. (BBC World Service/ Learning English.com) The sense of strong which is in the sentence is effective; skilful; or able. Considering the contrary on ability, we can find the antonym of strong is weak. To sum up, there are antonyms of strong in these contexts, although we would talk about a weak influence, a weak case, being weak in social sciences and my weakest subject, we would have to say a slight chance, and a slight accent. For the converse of strong views and strong support, we would probably say: I don’t have very strong views on this and I had some support. (The converse of a statement or fact is the opposite of it.) Tote how easy it is to find synonyms for the epithet "miser" an 4. Antonyms of polysemantic adverbs Although adverbs which are polysemantic adverb and antonyms are few, they are analyzed in this study. The cases of right are showed in the two following examples. 51
52. In the first example, the first sense and antonym of right are found. For example: He looked neither right nor left. (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) The sense of right in this context is to the right side. In terms of the contractory direction, the antonym of right is left. Moving the next example, right has the other sense and antonym. For example: Have I guessed right or wrong? (English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin) The sense of right in this context is correctly. Wrong is the antonym of right because of the contrary property. To sum up, we might use the pairs of antonyms: right – left, right – wrong. 52
53. chapter III: Implication 1. Some related problems When Vietnamese learners use antonym, they usually make the common mistakes. The first mistake is that the learners often learn by heart antonyms. Therefore, when they use antonyms, sometimes they do not take the context into consideration. One polysemantic word can have more than one antonym, for take can be opposite in meaning with put, bring and give. And in each situation and context the learners choose s suitable words. Take > < bring He will take you to the party and bring you home on time (Michael, 2000: 551) According to Hung (2006: 99), the most common mistake made by Vietnamese learner when using antonyms is ‚contrast it to its missing antonym". It means that the learners use antonym in a wrong way, e.g. short is opposite in meaning with long or tall although they have the same meaning in some situation: That was one more reason she didn't look forward to Cathy's visit short or long. Not: 53
54. That was one more reason she didn't look forward to Cathy's visit short or tall. According to Hoang Tat Truong ‚Semantic polarity presupposes the presence of some common semantic components in the denotation meaning. Thus, while ashamed means ‘feeling unhappy or troubled because one has done something wrong or foolish’, its antonym proud also deals with feeling but the feeling of happiness and assurance which also has its ground in moral values. 2. Some suggested solutions With these mistakes, the learners should take consideration to as well situation of the sentences to use antonyms in a right way. For description adjective antonym is by no means one of the most important and rich in content relations. Semantic markeness of opposition members is to be defined through the marked one. Their definition in Princeton WN are reversed: true – ‘consistent with fact or reality; not false ‘not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality’. In case of definition based on the antonym relation special attention should be paid to cycles, when antonyms are defined through each other. The semantic struture of adjectives is considered being dependent on and specified by the noun they modify. So, in some case, we pay attention to nouns to find the meaning of adjectives and their antonyms. Moreover, antonym is in euphemism. Hoang Tat Truong said that: ‚Many antonyms are explained by means of the negative particle: clean –not dirty, shallow – not deep syntactic negation by means of the particle not is weaker than the lexical antonym" For example: I am sorry to inform you that we are not at all satisfied with your sister (1). We are very much dissatisfied with her. (2) (Ch. Dickens) 54
55. Although negation is intensified by at all, the level of intensification in the sentence (1) is not equal in the sentence (2). Thus, the sentence (2) with a word with a negative prefix is added to compensate for the insufficiency of syntactic negation in the sentence (1). So, when using negation, the opposite of meaning is weaker than using the lexical antonymy. ‚Euphemisms are expressions used to avoid unpleasant or offensive feelings. In order to not hurt or shock the listeners or readers with the unexpected information, euphemisms will be a good choice. It can be explained that explained that euphemisms help us transfer these information in a direct or gentle way‛. Therefore, not only synonym but also antonym (the negation) is used in euphemism. According to Hoang Tat Truong, ‚though more often we are inclined to take into consideration only the opposite ends of the scale and by saying that something is not bad we even, using litotes, say it is good‛. For example: The poem is not good doesn’t mean the poem is bad. Furthermore, the difference in negation it is optional with antonym proper, by saying that the poem is not good, the speaker does not always mean that it is positively bad. Similarly, between beautiful and ugly have intermediary elements: beautiful: pretty: good – looking: plain: ugly. If don’t want to say the fact that someone is ugly, you can use the negation to listener imagine the intermediary elements between beautiful and ugly: So, when we said: someone is not beautiful, instead of thinking that someone is ugly, the listener imagine some one is plain; someone is good – looking ; or, someone is pretty. Basing on the intermediary elements between rich and poor: Poor: hard up: comfortably off: wealthy: moderately: well-to-do: rich. When using euphemism to avoid saying someone is poor, using the negation in this case, someone is not rich. 55
56. Therefore, the listener images someone who is hard up, comfortably off, wealthy, moderately or well-to-do. To sum up, besides using synonym in euphemism, we can use the negation, thus, your style becomes richer and richer. 3. Student can apply the theory to do the exercises Student will able to lean parts of speech and identify them using context clues and master vocabulary list words and their meanings through a series of exercises using antonyms. Student will read words in context to connect words and meanings use vocabulary words in context and put them into action. Students will also have opportunity to review and extend their meaning and check their mastery. 3.1. Exercises Exercise 1 Read these sentences and answer these questions. 1. The room was not decorated; rather it appeared to be very plain. a. What might plain mean? b. Which word is antonym of plain? A. lavish B. basic C. novice D. simple 2. We had a partial view of the stage, so we changed seats. a. Does partial have a smaller word in it? 56
57. b. Which word is an antonym for partial? A. half B. unfair C. limited D. complete Exercise 2 Using the underlined antonym clues, choose the best definition for the word in bold print. Your instructor will tell you whether to write your answers in your book. 1. In contrast to her normally hopeful nature, Annie grew more pessimistic about her career choice after each test in Organic Chemistry I. Pessimistic means a. characterized by a hopeful outlook b. cheerful in daily work. c. annoying d. characterized by a negative outlook. 2. Obviously very different, the first brother was outgoing and loquacious, but the second was shy and silent. Loquacious means a. wise b. shy c. angry d. talkative 57
58. 3. He presented the image of a prudent man; however, Keith was really a reckless and careless person who rarely thought about what would be sensible. Prudent means a. careful b. careless c. reckless d. foolish 4. Arnold was arrogant when it came to his ideas; on the other hand, his colleague was humble, seeking suggestions from others and giving credit to his coworkers. Arrogant means a. humble b. fair. c. conceited. d. shy. 5. Sung was fascinated with the lectures and worked hard on his homework, unlike his classmate Ami, who seemed indifferent to everything, rarely participated in group discussions, and showed little interest in the readings. Indifferent means a. taking chances. b. unresponsive and uninterested c. working equally but differently d. happening at the same time 58
59. 6. The novels of Walter Mosely, Stephen King, James Patterson, and David Baldacci frequently contrast sinister characters who must be apprehended and good, moral characters who ultimately win. Sinister means a. an unmarried woman b. working alone c. seeking forgiveness d. evil 7. Riggs was a novice at home construction, but he studied and practiced with several experts, so he was confident that his final product would be an excellent one. Novice means a. a show-off. b. an expert. c. a construction worker d. . a beginner 8. When Alicia parked her car in the morning, she was unconcerned about her surroundings, yet at night, she became wary as she proceeded to the dark, isolated lot. Wary means a. tired b. cautious c. thin and awkward d. careless 59
60. 9. Angela was a compliant daughter, not like her brother Ben, who stubbornly challenged his parents at every opportunity. Compliant means a. stubborn. b. obedient. c. challenging. d. talented. 10. Henry is always amiable, unlike his work colleagues, who are unfriendly and quarrel frequently. Amiable means a. friendly and good-natured. b. socially uncomfortable in new surroundings. c. unfriendly and difficult to work with. d. afraid. Exercise 3. There is one word underlined in each sentence. Choose the word that is an anonym of that word (in the context of the sentence). If necessary, use a dictionary or thesaurus. 1. Our investigation will reveal the truth! a. conceal b. expose c. inspect d. announce 60
61. 2. There are many ways to build a house. a. some b. few c. numerous d. bad 3. That car is too expensive for our budget. a. inexpensive b. costly c. priced d. small 4. The teacher read us a very entertaining book. a. fictional b. factual c. silly d. boring 5. Sunglasses will only hinder your ability to see at night. a. accept b. describe c. equal d. help 6. That barbell is light enough for a two year old to lift! a. dark b. serious c. harsh d. heavy 61
62. 7. The new governor will free the innocent prisoner. a. costly b. imprison c. imprisoned d. release 8. My parents are hoping that I’ll do the right thing. a. left b. prohibition c. proper d. wrong 3.2. Key to exercise Exercise 1 1. a. simple b. D 2. a. yes, it does b. D Exercise 2 1. d 2. d 3. a 4. c 5. b 62
63. 6. d 7. d 8. b 9. b 10. a Exercise 3 1. a 2. b 3. a 4. d 5. d 6. d 7. b 8. d 63
64. PART III: CONCLUSION It is common knowledge that lexicology plays an important role in teaching and learning English. The higher the Students’ proficiency is, there more competent in lexicology is required, especially, antonyms of polysemantic word. That is the reason why I study on antonyms with the presentation of three main parts: the first part is the definitions and classifications of antonym and polysemy, the second part is the main part of this thesis is the development which consists of , and the last part of this thesis is conclusion. However, this is my first step in language research, and because of short time as well as limited knowledge, mistakes and errors are unavoidable. I hope that this graduation paper will help the learners to have more knowledge of antonym and polysemy. ‚Antonyms of polysemantic word‛ is an interesting theme; therefore, a further study should study on many other case studies of other words such as ‚Discriminating adjective senses with modified nouns‛ 64
65. references 1. Charles, W & Miller, G. (1989). Contexts of antonymous adjectives. Jossey - Bass Publishers. 2. Hanh, T.T. (2006). Word Meaning. Da Nang Publisher 3. Hoa, N. T. (2002). An Introduction to Semantic. The National University Publisher. 4. Hung, N. M. (2006). Lexicology. Education Publisher 5. John, L. (1977). Semantics. Cambridge University Press. 6. Michael, S.(2000). Practical English Usage. Tre Publisher. 7. Tom Mc Arthur, ‚Antonym‛, The Oxford. Companion to the English language, Oxford University Press, 1992. 8. English-English-Vietnamese Dictionary- nxb Van Hoa Thong Tin. 9. Từ điển đồng nghĩa phản nghĩa- nxb Đồng Nai. 10. Collins Co build English Dictionary for Advanced Learners 4th edition published in 2003. 11. Hoang Tat Truong. Basic English lexicology, 2005. 12. http:// www. BBC World Service/ learning English.com. 13. http:// www.en.vikipedia.org. 14. http:// www.absoluteastronomy.com/ topic/ polysemy-31k. 65