When striving to name a concept with great precision, it helps to understand synonyms, hypernyms and hyponyms. Knowing how to apply these nyms will sharpen your search skills and enhance your keyword formation.  The root "nym" comes from the Greek onoma, a name. We use the term nym to identify many classes of words.  In this module we will look at two specific nyms: hypernyms, and hyponyms.  (For more about synonyms, see the IMSA Micro Module: What Are Synonyms?  How Can Using Synonyms Help Your Search?)

We are all familiar with synonyms: words that mean the same thing.  The first step in creating a list of keywords is to write down all of the synonyms that describe the topic of your search. You should consider using an online or traditional thesaurus as you create your keyword list. It is also wise to scan the results of your first search for strong keywords.  Synonyms (or any keyword) act as either hyponyms or hypernyms. What are hypernyms and hyponyms? How can understanding and using these specialized nyms help you focus a search?

The root "nym" comes from the Greek onoma, a name. We use the term nym to identify many classes of words.  When an Internet searcher speaks of "nyms" they are generally referring to sets of words that improve query formation by providing precise control over keyword selection.

How can understanding nyms empower my search?

Part of any good search strategy is the careful selection of keywords.  Understanding how hypernyms and hyponyms will affect your search puts real power into your hands.  As you build a query, be aware that use of nyms will narrow or broaden your search.  This knowledge helps you form an effective query.