Essential English Vocabulary

A word that means the opposite of another word.

"The antonym of 'old' is 'young'."

Taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or exaggeration.

"The literal meaning of 'raining cats and dogs' is not truly happening during heavy rain."

Metaphor

"The poet used a metaphor to describe the sunset."

The study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history.

"The etymology of the word 'etymology' traces back to Latin and Greek origins."

Each of two or more words having the same pronunciation but different meanings, origins, or spelling.

"The words 'to,' 'two,' and 'too' are examples of homophones."

An idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.

"The word 'home' often has a warm connotation of comfort and family."

The literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests.

"The denotation of the word 'snake' is simply a type of reptile."

Using, containing, or denoting expressions that are natural to a native speaker.

"The phrase 'kick the bucket' is an idiomatic expression meaning to die."

A word that has the same linguistic derivation as another; from the same original word or root.

"The English word 'mother' and the German word 'Mutter' are cognates."