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Gracious Word: Contronym

4/11/2014

 
contronym
Word every Gracious Individual should know: Contronym

Definition: Contronym; noun
1. A word that can be its own antonym. 

Why I love this word:
Because I love the complexity of the English language so much, I cannot imaging someone trying to learn it later on in their lives. It's not only difficult to remember all of the rules, but to remember all of the exceptions to the rules as well. Let's provide some examples on how contronym can be understood:

Off - can mean to activate or deactivate. 
        ex) the alarm went off (activated); turn the alarm off (deactivate) 
Weather - can be worn away or can withstand. 
        ex) the cover weathered away in the sand (worn away); we weathered the recession (withstood)
Left - can mean remaining or departed. 
        ex) there were 2 guys left (remaining); but they both left (departed)

Photograph from Gary Pepper Girl


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    Gracious Words

    With the Word of the Day and the Monthly Book Club, this page is for the intellectual reader or for anyone who wants to improve their vocabulary.

    As intellectuals, having a remarkable vocabulary speaks measures. Knowing the right words sharpens communication skills and opens minds to help express ourselves better whether in our personal or professional lives. Practice these Words of the Day and join in on the conversation. 


    Unless indicated ©Mariya Dondonyan, most photos on this page are works of other photographers. I believe in giving credit where credit is due, so every post recognizes the source where the photographs were found. If at anytime you see work that is improperly recognized, please send me a quick note and I will update the information. 
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