The term for words that have definitions that are opposite of one another is ‘contronym’. Here are 15 good examples of words that are a ‘contronym’:
1. Dust
Dust the shelves (removing particles)
Dust the crops (applying particles)
2. Fast
Move fast (go quickly)
Holding fast (fixed or unmoving)
3. Help
Help (to assist)
Can’t help doing something (prevent)
Singapore usage: to ask someone to do something, rather than to assist
4. Hold
I hold up my end of the bargain (to support)
If there is a hold up (to hinder)
5. Left
The gentlemen have left (departed)
and the ladies are left. (remaining)
6. Off
If a light goes off, (deactivated).
If an alarm goes off, (activated)
7. Out
If the lights are out (invisible)
If the stars are out (visible)
8. Oversight
If I have oversight (I am responsible)
If I make an oversight (I fail to be responsible)
9. Peer
In a jury of one’s peers (a person of equal status)
The members of the peerage (higher status)
10. Sanction
Give official permission for an action (approval)
Impose a penalty on (boycotting)
11. Screen
To screen something (a movie) (to show)
If something screens you (an unsightly view) (to hide)
12. Seed
If you seed a field (add seeds)
If you seed grapes (remove seeds)
13. Stone
You can stone some rambutans (remove)
Don’t stone your neighbour (add)
(Even if he likes to get stoned. Singapore meaning of Stoned)
14. Trim
If you’re trimming the tree are you using tinsel or a chain saw?
If I trim the tree (put stuff on it)
If I trim the grass, (I cut stuff off of it)
15. Weather
If I weather the storm (endures)
If the wind weathers the mountain (erodes)
You must log in to post a comment.