What word describes things that are similar yet different?

Question

There are two words on either side of the word I'm looking for: synonym and antonym. Of course, a synonym is a word that means the same thing (automobile vs. vehicle), and an antonym is a word that means the opposite (male vs. female). However, let's use the example of automobiles. There are different types: car, truck, van, SUV, etc. They're neither synonyms or antonyms of each other. But is there a word that describes their similarities, given they're all automobiles?

The word should fit this sentence:

A car is a _______________ of a truck.

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 16 '13 at 14:48

3

In the case you've described truck, van etc. would be hyponyms of automobile. American OED defines hyponym:

a word of more specific meaning than a general or superordinate term applicable to it. For example, spoon is a hyponym of cutlery. Contrasted with hypernym.

Automobile, then, would be a hypernym for truck.

a word with a broad meaning that more specific words fall under; a superordinate. For example, color is a hypernym of red.

answered Jul 16 '13 at 14:48

batpigandme

1,246

Yes, but here the OP is asking how two hyponyms of the same hypernym relate to each other. – RegDwigнt Jul 16 '13 at 14:53
Actually I didn't realize there were two similar words describing the two different pieces to this scenario. What I was looking for was the word which can fit "The word Car is a ___ of a Truck". – Jerry Dodge Jul 16 '13 at 15:15
@JerryDodge ah I get it now... – batpigandme Jul 16 '13 at 15:33

What word describes things that are similar yet different?

1 Answers1