A contronym has contradictory
definitions that can mess with your head.
Some words are just weird. You think you're using them correctly,
but then there's that moment of doubt. Does that word mean something else
entirely? One of the ironies of the English language is that occasionally, both
meanings are correct — even if they're wildly different.
A contronym (also called
a contranym or an autoantonym) is a word with two meanings that happen to be the
opposite of each other. Specifically, according to the
grammarly blog, "a contronym is a word
with a homonym (another word with the same spelling but different meaning) that
is also an antonym (a word with the opposite meaning)."
Got that?
Contronyms are also
sometimes referred to "Janus words" after the two-faced Roman god. Here are 30
contronyms and their contradictory, two-faced definitions.
With many thanks to Mary Jo DiLonardo at MNN
Related: Paraprosdokians
With many thanks to Mary Jo DiLonardo at MNN
Related: Paraprosdokians
Bolt
To separate by fleeing or to
hold together (as with a bolt)
Bound
Going toward a destination or
restrained from moving
Buckle
To fasten together (with a
buckle) or to bend or collapse from pressure
Cleave
To adhere firmly and closely or
to split apart
Clip
To fasten (as with a paperclip)
or to detach with shears (clipping your hair or your hedges)
Consult
To give advice or to get
advice
Custom
A common practice or a
specially made item
Dust
To cover something with a fine
power or to make something clean by brushing or removing dust
Enjoin
To order someone to do
something or to prohibit someone from doing something
Fast
Firmly fixed and unmoving or
able to move rapidly
Finished
Completed or
destroyed
Garnish
To add decorative touches (to
food or drink) or to take/withhold from (as in wages)
Handicap
An advantage given to equalize
chances of winning (as in golf) or a disadvantage that makes equality
difficult
Lease
To rent property or to offer
property for rent
Left
Departed or remained
behind
Model
The original, perfect example
or a copy
Off
Not operating (turn off the
light) or operating (the alarm went off)
Out
Visible (the stars are out) or
invisible (the lights are out)
Overlook
To watch or to fail to
notice
Oversight
Watchful, responsible care or a
mistake made due to forgetfulness or poor supervision
Peruse
To skim or to read very
carefully
Ravel
To separate or to become
entangled
Rent
To lease something or to offer
an something for lease
Sanction
To boycott or to
approve
Screen
To hide or to show (like a
movie)
Seed
To add seed ("seeding the
lawn") or to remove seed ("seeding a watermelon")
Strike
To hit or to miss while trying
to hit
Trim
To add (decorations) or to take
away (extra hair or fabric, for example)
Wear
To endure or to
deteriorate
Weather
To withstand or to be worn
away
Paraprosdokians
Heteronyms
English And Mathematics Are Being Sorely Neglected
11 Inventors Who Became Nouns
Do All Languages Come From A Single Common Ancestor?
How English Gave Birth To Surprising New Languages
Can You Correctly Pronounce Every Word In This Poem?
