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?
phrase-requests synonyms homonyms homographs
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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?
phrase-requests synonyms homonyms homographs
Yes, at least a few. Look around and tell us what you found! Good Luck.
– Kris
8 mins ago
add a comment |
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up vote
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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?
phrase-requests synonyms homonyms homographs
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
phrase-requests synonyms homonyms homographs
asked 12 mins ago
Mikey T.K.
229310
229310
Yes, at least a few. Look around and tell us what you found! Good Luck.
– Kris
8 mins ago
add a comment |
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
add a comment |
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...
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
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...
add a comment |
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...
add a comment |
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...
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...
answered 1 min ago
Glorfindel
5,07682636
5,07682636
add a comment |
add a comment |
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Yes, at least a few. Look around and tell us what you found! Good Luck.
– Kris
8 mins ago