Opposing homonyms











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I'm aware of precisely one word that is spelled and pronounced the same, yet has a completely opposite meaning depending on its context: sanction.



On one hand, it is official permission for something.



On the other hand, it is a penalty (so, the opposite of permission).



Yet you could sanction (give permission for) a sanction (penalty to be applied). Hm.



Are there any other homonyms that share this trait of having directly opposing meanings?










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  • Yes, at least a few. Look around and tell us what you found! Good Luck.
    – Kris
    8 mins ago















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0
down vote

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I'm aware of precisely one word that is spelled and pronounced the same, yet has a completely opposite meaning depending on its context: sanction.



On one hand, it is official permission for something.



On the other hand, it is a penalty (so, the opposite of permission).



Yet you could sanction (give permission for) a sanction (penalty to be applied). Hm.



Are there any other homonyms that share this trait of having directly opposing meanings?










share|improve this question






















  • Yes, at least a few. Look around and tell us what you found! Good Luck.
    – Kris
    8 mins ago













up vote
0
down vote

favorite









up vote
0
down vote

favorite











I'm aware of precisely one word that is spelled and pronounced the same, yet has a completely opposite meaning depending on its context: sanction.



On one hand, it is official permission for something.



On the other hand, it is a penalty (so, the opposite of permission).



Yet you could sanction (give permission for) a sanction (penalty to be applied). Hm.



Are there any other homonyms that share this trait of having directly opposing meanings?










share|improve this question













I'm aware of precisely one word that is spelled and pronounced the same, yet has a completely opposite meaning depending on its context: sanction.



On one hand, it is official permission for something.



On the other hand, it is a penalty (so, the opposite of permission).



Yet you could sanction (give permission for) a sanction (penalty to be applied). Hm.



Are there any other homonyms that share this trait of having directly opposing meanings?







phrase-requests synonyms homonyms homographs






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asked 12 mins ago









Mikey T.K.

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  • Yes, at least a few. Look around and tell us what you found! Good Luck.
    – Kris
    8 mins ago


















  • Yes, at least a few. Look around and tell us what you found! Good Luck.
    – Kris
    8 mins ago
















Yes, at least a few. Look around and tell us what you found! Good Luck.
– Kris
8 mins ago




Yes, at least a few. Look around and tell us what you found! Good Luck.
– Kris
8 mins ago










1 Answer
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These words are called auto-antonyms or contronyms; Wikipedia has an extensive list of examples in the English language, including your 'sanction'.



My favourite is 'oversight':




"Oversight" can mean "accidental omission or error", or "close scrutiny and control".




since they (too) often occur together...





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    up vote
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    These words are called auto-antonyms or contronyms; Wikipedia has an extensive list of examples in the English language, including your 'sanction'.



    My favourite is 'oversight':




    "Oversight" can mean "accidental omission or error", or "close scrutiny and control".




    since they (too) often occur together...





    share

























      up vote
      0
      down vote













      These words are called auto-antonyms or contronyms; Wikipedia has an extensive list of examples in the English language, including your 'sanction'.



      My favourite is 'oversight':




      "Oversight" can mean "accidental omission or error", or "close scrutiny and control".




      since they (too) often occur together...





      share























        up vote
        0
        down vote










        up vote
        0
        down vote









        These words are called auto-antonyms or contronyms; Wikipedia has an extensive list of examples in the English language, including your 'sanction'.



        My favourite is 'oversight':




        "Oversight" can mean "accidental omission or error", or "close scrutiny and control".




        since they (too) often occur together...





        share












        These words are called auto-antonyms or contronyms; Wikipedia has an extensive list of examples in the English language, including your 'sanction'.



        My favourite is 'oversight':




        "Oversight" can mean "accidental omission or error", or "close scrutiny and control".




        since they (too) often occur together...






        share











        share


        share










        answered 1 min ago









        Glorfindel

        5,07682636




        5,07682636






























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