Today's Lunchbox Lesson: CONTRONYMS
A contronym is a word that evokes contradictory or reverse meanings depending on the context. It is sometimes called a Janus word (two-faced), or auto-antonym.
Generally, contronyms became contronyms in one of two ways: (1) different words with different etymologies converged into one word, or (2) one word acquired different and opposite meanings over time.
Here are some contronyms that are commonly used as verbs in the English language:
Buckle: (1) to fasten or secure with a buckle OR (2) to bend, warp, or collapse under pressure.
Cleave: (1) to join or adhere closely; cling OR (2) to split or divide, especially by cutting.
Dust: (1) to remove dust particles OR (2) to sprinkle with soil, sugar, or other fine particles
Sanction: (1) to permit or grant approval OR (2) to condemn or penalize
There are dozens of contronyms in the English language. Can you name some too?
A contronym is a word that evokes contradictory or reverse meanings depending on the context. It is sometimes called a Janus word (two-faced), or auto-antonym.
Generally, contronyms became contronyms in one of two ways: (1) different words with different etymologies converged into one word, or (2) one word acquired different and opposite meanings over time.
Here are some contronyms that are commonly used as verbs in the English language:
Buckle: (1) to fasten or secure with a buckle OR (2) to bend, warp, or collapse under pressure.
Cleave: (1) to join or adhere closely; cling OR (2) to split or divide, especially by cutting.
Dust: (1) to remove dust particles OR (2) to sprinkle with soil, sugar, or other fine particles
Sanction: (1) to permit or grant approval OR (2) to condemn or penalize
There are dozens of contronyms in the English language. Can you name some too?
No comments:
Post a Comment