How do I Learn Basic Opposite English Words?

Use a variety of techniques to learn opposite words in English.

As a student of English as a Second Language, you need opposite words to describe everyday objects, people, the weather, feelings and many other topics. Without opposites, you cannot explain someone's appearance or what kind of sweater you want to buy. Studying opposite words in pairs helps you organize new vocabulary and remember words better. You can use picture dictionaries, word lists, flash cards, puzzles and reading in English to learn the opposite words in English.

Things You'll Need

• English picture dictionary
• English textbooks
• Index cards
• Crossword puzzles in English
• Reading books in English

Instructions

1. Find lists of opposite words to study in a picture dictionary, ESL textbook or vocabulary textbook. Picture dictionaries will have the most basic words for beginners. Each picture dictionary publisher has a different system, but you will find opposite adjectives listed under topics such as weather, people, colors, verbs or adjectives. Grammar textbooks frequently have lists of opposite words in a chapter on adjectives. You will find materials for more advanced study in vocabulary textbooks.

2. Make flashcards to study the opposite words. Write the new word on one side of an index card, and the meaning and a sentence on the other. Study and drill yourself with these cards until you know the meanings. Then make flash cards with opposite words on the two sides of the same card. For example, put "hot" on one side and "cold" on the other. Study these pairs in your free time.

3. Practice opposite words with crossword puzzles. First practice with puzzles especially designed to teach opposites, such as some of those at bogglesworldesl.com/. Also practice with general crossword puzzles from Boggle's World or puzzle books. General crosswords also frequently ask for the opposite of a word.

4. Practice your opposite words in speaking and writing English. Make opportunities to speak English with a partner every day and use your new vocabulary words. Write for 10 to 15 minutes per day in a small notebook using the opposite words that you learned.

5. 

   Reading in English will help you learn opposite words.

   Read in English every day. Choose stories or books that have some new words so you can increase your vocabulary and practice what you know. Try to guess new words before you use the dictionary, since many authors give clues to the meanings of words. If you cannot guess, then look up the new word. When you read in English every day, you will learn more opposite words and other new vocabulary.

Tips & Warnings

• Play vocabulary board games in English to learn and practice new words. You can find children's versions of popular word games.

• Try the opposites practice quiz in Resources.

References

• " Monolingual Oxford Picture Dictionary:" Norma Shapiro and Jayme Adelson-Goldstein; 1998
• "How to Learn a Foreign Language"; Arthur H. Charles, Jr.; 1994
• Boggle's World ESL: Crosswords
• The Internet TESL Journal: Extensive Reading: Why? and How?

Resources

• " Monolingual Oxford Picture Dictionary:" Norma Shapiro and Jayme Adelson-Goldstein; 1998
• Boggle's World ESL: Crosswords
• "Just in Time Vocabulary"; Elizabeth Chesla; 200
• "30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary"; Dr. Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis; 1970
• a4esl: Opposites: Easy