2

I once learned a term meaning a similar word that cannot stand for it in every context, i.e. a synonym that doesn't work in every instance the original word can (not a hypernym). What is this term?

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

The answer is a plesionym. These are near-synonyms but with subtle differences (and the entire semantic range is not necessarily part of another symbol/word, as with hypo/ernymy).

Improve this answer
1
  • The term 'synonym' itself is normally used for what the author calls a'plesionym'. I'd say his terminology is very rarely used.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Mar 14, 2016 at 16:55

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .