What is an example of contronym?

What is an example of contronym?

Specifically, a contronym is a word with a homonym (another word with the same spelling but different meaning) that is also an antonym (words with opposite meanings). For example, the word “transparent” can mean either something that is invisible or obvious.

Is literally a contronym?

So, when a person says “I was literally dying of laughter,” they are using the word “literally” to show that they are using exaggerated language. If you compare this use of “literally” with the first definition of “literally,” you will notice that “literally” has become a contronym.

Is apology a contronym?

Apology can be a tricky contronym, since when you usually hear this word, it’s because someone is saying sorry for something they did. However, apology can also be a defense of something that someone did. For example: The politician had to make a public apology for lying.

Is egregious a contronym?

In fact, there is a term for words that have meanings that are opposites of one another: contronym or auto-antonym. That page gives a number of examples, although it doesn’t include “egregious” (it’s not a complete list).

What is the opposite of contronym?

A ‘Janus word’ is a word that is its own opposite—like ‘fast’, which can refer both to moving very quickly and to staying put. Frequently described as “words that are their own opposites,” Janus words are also known as contronyms, antagonyms, or auto-antonyms. These are words that have developed contradictory meanings.

Is chuffed a contronym?

by – multiplication (e.g., a three by five matrix), division (e.g., dividing eight by four) chuffed – pleased, annoyed. cleave – separate, adhere. clip – fasten, detach.

Is inflammable a contronym?

I immediately thought it was weird when I learned that flammable and inflammable mean the same thing.

Is overlook a contronym?

‘Overlook’ is a Contronym The “watch” and “fail to notice” meanings of overlook make the verb a contronym (which is also spelled contranym)—or a Janus word, antagonym or autoantonym, all of which are synonymous.

Is moot a contronym?

These are contronyms – words with opposite meanings – in American and British English, and spread confusion wherever they travel. In the United States, we most often use moot as an adjective, as part of the phrase moot point.

Is cleave a contronym?

Cleave is often cited as the go-to contronym: it can refer to splitting something apart and uniting two things.

What are Antagonyms?

a word with two opposite meanings. More familiar examples of antagonyms are cleave, which can mean either “cut apart” or “stick together”; and fast, as in “run fast” versus “hold fast.” —

Is nonplussed a contronym?

In the Macquarie Dictionary, we currently define nonplussed as ‘puzzled and perplexed’. These contronyms can be a source of conflict between language users, especially as they come into being.