10 words that mean one thing but also mean the exact opposite
This is quite (number 8 on the list) interesting (number 10).
Ten words in the English language that mean one thing but also mean the exact opposite. pic.twitter.com/c4jlSEbO8S
— Philip Clarke (@ClarkePhil) March 15, 2018
Turns out there’s even a word for this sort of thing.
Technically, they are called contronyms.
— Peter Forster (@peterdforster) March 17, 2018
And here’s a few more.
These are also called #contronyms – words that are their own #antonyms.
Other examples may be
Resign – Quit or to sign up again
Screen – To show or to block (hide)
Weather – To withstand or to wear away#Grammar #English @kellyhd #ProfRolySussex #AWordInYourEar @abcbrisbane— Amartweets (@AmarBantwal) March 15, 2018
My favourite is still inflammable.
— Ms. Harvey (@MsEHarvey) March 18, 2018
"Endorse" also puzzles me. Ab advertised product can be endorsed, which is good, but if one's driving licence is endorsed then that's bad.
— Jo Ling (@Jo_Ling) March 18, 2018
When does "quite" mean "not much"?
— Mark Hanson (@MHanson62) March 17, 2018
I think they mean 'fairly'/'to a certain extent'; 'quite warm'
— Tony Thorne (@tonythorne007) March 17, 2018
I don't think that's quite it.
— Rod Laurenz (@LaurenzRod) March 17, 2018
Quite!
— cyclerunner (@cyclerunner) March 19, 2018
My favourite has always been ‘cleave’. There’s a wonderful bit in Milton where it creates an interesting tension in its contradictory meanings: ‘It was from out the rinde of one apple tasted, that the knowledge of good and evill as two twins cleaving together leapt forth’.
— Peter Forster (@peterdforster) March 17, 2018
Er, right. But hang on a minute everyone …
Using a word like “Interesting” to mean the opposite is called sarcasm. This one example makes the entire English language fit your list.
— John Doe (@openfbtd) March 16, 2018
Hmm. Interesting.
