Glossary:Complementarity

Definition

Complementarity (/ˌkɒmplɪmənˈtærɪtɪ/) arises where one section is divided into two separate parts or conditions that cannot exist at the same time. Those opposites share this area without having the smallest intersection. There is no possibility of an AND-relation but only an OR-relation. Antonyms are often said to belong into the same category but can be set on the end-points of an gradable spectrum.

Examples

dead - alive
female - male
natural - artificial

Other related terms

• hyponym

• hyperonym

• homonym

• synonym

Literature

• Direction of Derivation by F. Plank - A rather complex paper on semantic complexity in English and German

• Lexical semantics: Opposited by Cruse (1986) - Good overview over the field of basic semantic relations