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
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