Words are peculiar and significant component of the language. They express ideas, feelings or emotions. The prosperity of a language is evaluated on the basis of its enriched vocabulary Both in speech and writing, a wide range of competent words is required. There are several types of words to be studied in sentence formation or composition. Some of these are contradictory, in meaning and nature, to another and known as 'antonyms' or 'opposite words'. A word contrary or opposite in meaning to another is its antonym; as defence to attack, hell to heaven, cruel to kind, poor to rich, folly to wisdom, and so on. Antonyms are of two kinds: original and mechanically formed. Primary words opposite in meaning to another are original antonyms; as, awake to asleep, credit to cash, slavery to freedom, negative to positive, etc. Mechanically formed antonyms, on the other hand, come into being by some changes or an addition to the beginning or the end of the word, i.e., by using the prefix or the suffix; for example, civilized, uncivilized; fortunate, unfortunate; merciful, merciless; regular, irregular; understand, misunderstand; and so forth. It is not impertinent to state here that antonyms should not vary in terms of parts of speech. It suggests that the antonym of a noun is always a noun, the antonym of an adjective is an adjective, the antonym of a verb is a verb, and the antonym of an adverb is an adverb, and so on. The study of antonyms is very useful. Antonyms help to know which word is appropriate to express opposite meaning of a particular word. Antonyms enhance vocabulary and word-power, and support to clarify the expression. The use of antonyms makes the language chaste, refined and impressive. Dictionary of Antonyms, the first of its kind, is a venture in the sphere of lexicography. It is entirely unique in style and presentation. It not only includes a great number of antonyms but also propounds various techniques of the formation of antonyms. **Contents and Sample Pages**
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