ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-103-009 · ATLAS 251

Hyponymy

A semantic relation in which the meaning of a term is contained within the meaning of a more general term.

Explanation

A hyponym refers to a subtype of its hypernym. When one refers to a poodle, one is simultaneously referring to a dog, but not vice versa.

Example

“Tulip” is a hyponym of “flower.”

Counterexample

“Flower” is not a hyponym of “tulip,” but rather its hypernym.

Distinction

Distinguish from meronymy: A wheel is part of a bicycle, not its subtype.

Effect on thought and perception

Organizes terms hierarchically and enables inferences from the specific to the general.

Resonance

A single term carries the broader category as a silent horizon of meaning.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Hyponymy“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-103-009. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-103-009

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-103-009

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