big
IPA: /bɪɡ/
large in size or amount
English vocabulary by topic
Opposite adjectives in English
Eight contrasting pairs for describing size, price, quality, temperature and other everyday properties.
Go to the wordsWhy learning in pairs helps
A contrast creates a useful link: big — small, clean — dirty, easy — difficult. When one word brings its opposite to mind, it becomes easier to choose the description you need in conversation.
An opposite depends on context. Hot can contrast with cold, but spicy contrasts with mild. Light can contrast with heavy or dark. Learn the pair with a noun: hot tea — cold tea, a light bag — a heavy bag.
Vocabulary
Words in this topic
Use the speaker icon to hear each word in British English.
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small
IPA: /smɔːl/
little in size or amount
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good
IPA: /ɡʊd/
pleasant, suitable or of high quality
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bad
IPA: /bæd/
unpleasant, unsuitable or of low quality
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cheap
IPA: /tʃiːp/
costing little money
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expensive
IPA: /ɪkˈspɛnsɪv/
costing a lot of money
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clean
IPA: /kliːn/
not dirty
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dirty
IPA: /ˈdɜːtɪ/
not clean
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hot
IPA: /hɒt/
having a high temperature
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cold
IPA: /kəʊld/
having a low temperature
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easy
IPA: /ˈiːzɪ/
not difficult to do or understand
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difficult
IPA: /ˈdɪfɪkəlt/
needing effort or skill to do or understand
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fast
IPA: /fɑːst/
moving or happening quickly
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slow
IPA: /sləʊ/
moving or happening without speed
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strong
IPA: /strɒŋ/
having a lot of physical power or force
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weak
IPA: /wiːk/
not physically strong or powerful
01
How to remember these words
- Cover one side of a pair and recall it from its opposite.
- Add the same noun to both sides: a cheap hotel — an expensive hotel.
- Make comparisons about familiar things: This train is fast, but that bus is slow.
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Useful phrases
The room is small but clean.
Is this exercise easy or difficult?
The coffee is still hot.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Does every adjective have one exact opposite?
No. The right opposite depends on meaning. Light can contrast with heavy for weight and dark for colour or brightness.
Can I say very big and very small?
Yes. Both adjectives can follow very: a very big house and a very small room.
What is the difference between cheap and inexpensive?
Both describe a low price, but cheap can sometimes suggest low quality. Inexpensive is usually more neutral.
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