contranym
Word contradicting itself
A contranym is a word that has two opposite or contradictory meanings.
Cleave can mean to split apart or to cling together.
Sanction can mean to permit or to penalize.
Dust can mean to remove fine particles or to apply them.
Also called a Janus word or auto-antonym.
examples
Split or adhere
linguistic
Word with opposing meanings
- polysemyWord having related meanings
- contronymWord meaning its opposite
- homographShared spelling, separate meanings
- lexicographyCompiling word reference books
etymology
Roman word origins
- language changeHow speech transforms over time
- word historyStudy of linguistic origins
- philologyStudy of historical texts
- borrowingTemporary taking of another's
amelioration · pejoration · generalization · specialization · back-formation · reanalysis
cleave
Split or adhere
screen · weather · trim · seed · left · fast · buckle · bolt · clip · resign
autoantonym
Word with opposing meanings
Latin roots
Roman word origins
- language changeHow speech transforms over time
- word historyStudy of linguistic origins
- philologyStudy of historical texts
borrowing · amelioration · pejoration · generalization · specialization · back-formation · reanalysis