Contronymns

Here are some examples of contronyms, single words that have two contradictory meanings.

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

He formally apologized for having offended my mother.

The book is an apology for capitalism.

2. bolt – to secure, or to flee

Three 2 x 12 boards were bolted together to make a beam.

The animal bolted before we could get a rope on him,

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

We’re bound to get there if we stay on this road.

We bound the animal to a tree so it couldn’t escape.

4. cleave – to adhere, or to separate

A married couple cleave to each other til death do them part.

He used a large axe to cleave wood for the fire.

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

The freshly baked cookies were dusted with powdered sugar.

I dusted the furniture before the guests arrived.

6. fast – quick, or made stable

I got out of there fast.

He tied the boat fast to the mooring.

7. left – remained, or departed

There were no cookies left.

He left without any cookies.

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

King Charles is a peer of the realm.

He is without peer.

9. sanction – to approve, or to boycott

Some churches do not sanction same sex marriage.

Without realistic sanctions, some teachers have difficulty keeping order in the classroom.

10. weather – to withstand, or to wear away

The concrete structure had weathered many a storm.

His face was weathered to a deep tan by his outdoor life.

* * * * *

A sanguine person is either hotheaded and bloodthirsty or calm and cheerful.

If you wind up a meeting you finish it; if you wind up a watch, you start it.

To ravish means to rape or to enrapture.

Quinquennial describes something that lasts for five years or happens only once in five years.

Trying one’s best is a good thing, but trying one’s patience is a bad thing.

A blunt instrument is dull, but a blunt remark is pointed.