An Integrated Approach To The Asymmetric Use Of Gradable Antonyms In English

Based on the examples of database and related works, this thesis mainly studies theformation of antonyms, characteristics and cause of asymmetric use by the way of caseanalysis and graphical presentation, etc. The author suggests that this study couldinitiate English learning and enable English learners to understand the reasons behindset phrases. It can also arouse interest in the English learners. At the same time, invocabulary teaching, this research on the application of antonyms can increase Englishlearners’ vocabulary.The author finds that the formation of antonyms needs to meet two conditions atleast: Firstly, the two words belong to the same semantic ranges; secondly, the twowords in a sense contrary. The asymmetric use of gradable antonyms falls into the threecategories: asymmetry of semantic range, asymmetry of word order and asymmetry offrequency. There are five semantic characteristics: oneness, fuzziness, entailment,markedness and comparison. The cognitive characteristics are discussed from threeaspects: principle; the markedness and unmarkedness of the positive degree; theimpartiality and commitedness of the comparative degree. People’s construal, thepoliteness principle in the use of language, cultural differences and the human naturehave a great impact on the asymmetric use of gradable antonymy. In a word, fourreasons of the asymmetry are proposed: polysemy, socio-cultural factors, cognition, andmarkedness.