The connection of generalization to specialization (or particularization) is reflected in the contrasting words hypernym and hyponym. A hypernym as a generic stands for a class or group of equally ranked items, such as the term tree which stands for equally ranked items such as peach and oak, and the term ship which stands for equally ranked items such as cruiser and steamer. In contrast, a hyponym is one of the items included in the generic, such as peach and oak which are included in tree, and cruiser and steamer which are included in ship. A hypernym is superordinate to a hyponym, and a hyponym is subordinate to a hypernym.
The connection of generalization to specialization (or particularization) is reflected in the contrasting words hypernym and hyponym A hypernym as a generic stands for a class or group of equally ranked items such as the term tree which stands for equally ranked items such as peach and oak and the term ship which stands for equally ranked items such as cruiser and steamer In contrast a hyponym is one of the items included in the generic such as peach and oak which are included in tree and cruiser and steamer which are included in ship A hypernym is superordinate to a hyponym and a hyponym is subordinate to a hypernym