Language Fun

Contronyms

Contronyms are words that have two contradictory meanings. Did you know there was such a thing? Here are a few. They are rare.

1. apology – a statement of contrition for an action, or a defense of one

2. bolt – to secure, or to flee

3. bound – heading to a destination, or restrained from movement

4. cleave – to adhere, or to separate

5. dust – to add fine particles, or to remove them

6. fast – quick, or made stable

7. left – remained, or departed

8. peer – a person of nobility, or an equal

9. sanction – to approve, or to boycott

10. weather – to withstand, or to wear away