One word with two different meanings

The English language is a mystery to many non-speakers. This is largely due to the contradictions within the language itself, such as English words that have opposite definitions despite being spelled the same way. If you’re an English speaker, you do not pay much attention to these things. But for English language learners, these types of words add to their confusion with the language.

Do you know what the words that are spelled similarly and have two different meanings are called? They are called contronyms. The simplest explanation is that they are words that have opposite meanings.

Several nyms comprise the English language. Words that mean the same thing are synonyms. Words that sound the same but have different spelling, such as pear and pair are homonyms. Antonyms are the opposite meaning of a word. Heteronyms are words spelled similarly but pronounced differently.

What is a contronym?

A contronym is one word that has opposite meanings, which depends on the context of its use. It seems illogical that one word can have two different meanings, which can be the exact opposite of the other at times. For example, the word cleave means to cling, to adhere or to stick to something or someone. But it can also mean to cut, to split or to separate.

A contronym has other names, too. Some people call it contronym while others refer to it as autoantonym. More descriptive terms include antilogy, self-antonym, enantiodrome and antagonym. There’s still another term that many people use to refer to contronyms – Janus words. It was derived from Janus, an Italian deity of old, said to be heaven’s doorkeeper whose head has two faces, one in front and one at the back.

Development of English words with opposite meanings

The English language continues to evolve, including its parts. People, especially native speakers of English use contronyms in their daily conversation, but it may be tricky for learners of the language.

Contronyms develop over time as a result of constant use. For example, according to its etymology, the word blunt used to mean obtuse (person) or dull (weapons, tools) when it was used from the 12^th century to the late 14^th century. But around the 1580s, it became a word to mean sharp, referring to abrupt manner or speech, which takes on the context of making an unceremoniously made or direct comment. Another example is the word bolt, an Old English term whose original meaning (as a verb) is to fix or fasten something. Centuries later, bolt is also used to mean spring into sudden action, which could have been derived from bolt (noun) that refers to a missile or projectile such as an arrow.

One vital thing for English language learners to remember is to understand the context in using a word so that they will not make the mistake of saying something that is contradictory to the intended meaning.

This knowledge is essential in interpretation and translation as well. If a contronym is used in a different context, it can distort the whole meaning of the conversation or a sentence. If you need translation or interpreting services, ensure that you collaborate with a professional and native-speaking translator or interpreter, so as to avoid these types of mistakes.

The development of contronyms is also due to pronunciation changes through the years. Let’s look at the word cleave again. It means to join together and to split apart. It came from two Old English words, cleofan (split apart, separate) and cleofian (also clifian, cliofian) (adhere, stick together). Through years of use, the two words started to sound the same and later merged to become cleave.

Here’s another interesting one. Let is a word that used to mean stop, delay, obstruct, impede. It came from the Old English term lettan. Another Old English word, lætan means to leave undone, leave behind, bequeath or to allow. The original words later formed the contronym, let.

In some cases, the difference is the variant of English one uses creates the contronyms. In a parliamentary procedure, to table a bill means that the bill could be discussed, considered or reconsidered in British English. In American English however, it means to suspend or postpone the consideration.

Examples of contronyms

If you love languages, you’ll have fun with contronyms. But for many people, it can be confusing. So instead of getting confused, here are some examples of contronyms, which could be words that you use every day or see often. You may not even realize that you are using them in two different contexts because you are so used to them.

1. Sanction is either to impose a penalty on something or give official approval or permission.
2. You use left when you mean someone or something is still remaining (this is what’s left of the bunch), but it can also be used to mean someone departed (left the party, group, team, etc.).
3. You dust the furniture to remove dirt. You can also dust, in the context of applying it, such as dusting a cake with powdered sugar.
4. When you seed a cucumber, you are removing its seeds. When you seed your lawn, you are adding  seeds (grass) to the soil.
5. Trim can mean to cut or remove irregularities or outgrowth (plants, trees) or reduce the length of your hair. But you can also use the word to mean embellishing or decorating something, such as a Christmas tree.
6. When you mean something or someone is moving rapidly, you say it or she/he is fast. In terms of fabric color, it means that the dye will not run. It can also mean something is unmoving or fixed.
7. Off, when used as an adjective can mean something is not in operation or is deactivated, such as the stove is off or the light is off. It can also mean activated (the alarm went off) as well. As an adverb, it can denote distance in relation to space and time (the dinghy is two kilometers off the shore) or moving from a position or place (drove off, went off to work, event is still two weeks off).
8. Weather is an atmospheric condition, but it could mean enduring, as in weathered the economic downturn, or worn away, just like weathered wood or rock.
9. You can either screen to hide or block out an ugly view or corner, or use it to mean show (film/movie), test or sort.
10. Clip can mean bind things together, such as sheets of paper. It can also mean to separate or cut away or a part, as in clip your fingernails, clip the wings.
11. Centuries back, flog meant to whip, cane or beat a person or animal. In today’s application, it is used as a sales term, as in persistently promote something (such as a book).
12. The word hold can either mean to support something or someone, but it can also mean hinder, arrest or confine.
13. When you say toss, it can either mean discarding something, but it can also mean suggesting (like toss out an idea).
14. The military term anabasis means military retreat as well as military advance.

Here are more contronyms for you to use:

• Aught (nothing, all)
• Chuffed (annoyed, pleased)
• Consult (give advice, seek advice)
• Custom (special, usual)
• Dollop (small amount, large amount)
• Enjoin (prohibit, prescribe)
• Garnish (curtail wages, enhance food)
• Give out (stop production, produce)
• Grade (level, incline)
• Handicap (disadvantage e.g. physical or mental condition, advantage)
• Mean (excellent, average)
• Put out (generate, extinguish)
• Strike (miss, hit)
• Transparent (obvious, invisible)
• Unbending (relaxing, rigid)
• Wind up (start up, end)
• Story (factual, untrue account)
• Scan (skim, scrutinize)
• Refrain (stop an action, repeat an action, e.g, song refrain)
• Oversight (close control and scrutiny, accidental error or omission)
• Overlook (place to see things from above, miss seeing things or details)
• Peruse (read in a cursory or casual way, go over something attentively)

Remember that when using contronyms, you have to be aware of the words’ context, to ensure that you are relaying the right message.

Assurance of right context and correct definitions

The job of a professional translator is to provide an accurate translation of a source document into any language, which also includes careful consideration of the context of the message to ensure its proper delivery. At Day Translations, Inc. we work only with native speakers, to ensure the quality of the language. Our translators live in-country, so they are not only fluent in the language, but they are also fully knowledgeable of the culture of their country. They are professionals with years of experience in language services.

We also have subject matter experts for specific translation needs. We see to it that all the translation projects we handle pass through our quality control process to make sure that ensure accuracy, appropriateness of terminology and proper context. For all your translation and interpreting needs, call Day Translations. We offer a full suite of language services so you only have to talk to one organization. We are available 24/7, 365 days of the year. You can reach us through 1-800-969-6853. You have the option to send us an email as well here: Contact us.

Image Copyright: Viorel Sima / 123RF Stock Photo

Homonyms, or multiple-meaning words, are words that have the same spelling and usually sound alike, but have different meanings (e.g. dog bark, tree bark).

When the meaning of two senses of two different words lemmas are identical or nearly identical we say the two senses are?

Relation Between Senses We say two senses are synonyms when two senses of two different words (lemmas) are identical or nearly identical. Antonym: Antonyms are words with an opposite meaning.

What is the sense of a word?

In linguistics, a word sense is one of the meanings of a word. For example, a dictionary may have over 50 different senses of the word “play”, each of these having a different meaning based on the context of the word’s usage in a sentence, as follows: We went to see the play Romeo and Juliet at the theater.

How do you use sense in a sentence?

Sense sentence example

1. He also had a sense of responsibility about it.
2. I can sense it and I’m never wrong.
3. She shivered and shrugged the sense away.
4. For once, I had the sense to keep my mouth shut.

What’s another way of saying makes sense?

Find another word for make-sense. In this page you can discover 24 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for make-sense, like: be reasonable, be understandable, be coherent, be logical, be clear, be plausible, be lucid, be intelligible, add-up, hold-water and induct.

What does it mean to have no sense?

Up vote 1. If something makes no sense it means it is illogical, nonsensical, and unreasoned. This phrase can be used in situations where the proposal or affirmation appears to be absurd, or even preposterous. We can make no sense of it.

Where there is no sense there’s no feeling?

People said to be lacking this understanding are said to have no sense and hence no feeling. The phrase is, actually a criticism, and intended as such, having no bearing on any one person’s behaviour, as we all use our senses and feel emotional responses.

Is the word nonsense an insult?

“Nonsense” is not used for cursing. As has been stated before, it is a more polite word and would be used (and preferred) as an alternative to cursing. As for “foolish”, it is SUCH a mild word that anyone who is offended by it is nought but a prissy weakling.

What does Raggedy mean in sentence?

răg’ĭ-dē Filters. Tattered or worn-out; ragged. adjective.

Is Raggedy a bad word?

Bad. That whole situation was raggedy.

What’s another word for scruffy?

What is another word for scruffy?

What is the meaning of reliable?

Reliable, infallible, trustworthy apply to persons, objects, ideas, or information that can be depended upon with confident certainty. Reliable suggests consistent dependability of judgment, character, performance, or result: a reliable formula, judge, car, meteorologist.

What does loyal mean?

1 : unswerving in allegiance: such as. a : faithful in allegiance to one’s lawful sovereign or government were loyal to the king. b : faithful to a private person to whom faithfulness is due a loyal husband.

Who is the most loyal person?

Who Is The Most Loyal Person In History

• Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas) 58.3%
• Nick Collison (OKC) 13.5%
• Kobe Bryant (Lakers) 6.3%
• Tim Duncan (Spurs) 14.6%
• G.R.O.A.T (Sharks) 7.3%

Is being loyal a personality trait?

Loyalty is faithfulness or devotion to a person or cause. The tendency to consistent loyalty has been viewed as a personality trait associated with a range of social behavior [citation needed].

How can I be loyal to one person?

The Keys to Loyalty in a Relationship

1. Being Authentic to Yourself and Your Partner.
2. Being Monogamous.
3. Never Having to Hide Anything From Your Partner.
4. Keep Promises and Secrets.
5. Leave Your Judgement out of It.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Vulnerable.
7. Be Forgiving.
8. Be Committed to Working on Yourself.

What makes someone faithful?

It means being open, even when the truth makes you uncomfortable, because you believe that your person deserves to know what really happened. Being faithful means knowing what your person is not okay with, what they would consider being disloyal, and never crossing that line. You are allowed to text someone else.

One word… Two Meanings

As a student in college or school in general there are many things that one has to learn first before one can comprehend the subject. One of the main assignments for any student would be to learn the definition of a word that they don’t comprehend.  To me it’s a natural thing when it comes to learning a new word and what really helps me in college is Dicionary.com on my phone rather than having to pull out an actual dictionary to look for it.  It is amazing how technology has advanced and helped many students in college.

Phones now in days have applications which you can install in your phone for a faster use rather than having to get on the internet on your phone and having to wait for loading times etc… with technology so advanced now in days Android, iPhones, and many other phones that are capable of downloading such applications for ones benefit. Lucky me I have one of these magnificent devices.

On my phone I have an application that is called dictionary.com and in that application there is usually a word that they give you to learn each and every day. The word of the day as they call it. On one of my daily routines while at work I came across a word that had me puzzled and wasn’t sure what it meant until I looked up in dictionary.com. In it the definition of the word came out to be one word that has a two different meanings. Then I started to think of words that had a double meaning to me but I could not come across any. It bugged me all day.

After that day I then went online and did a quick search for Homographs as what the word is described as. I found plenty of words that had double meanings and then that’s when I understood the actual definition of Homograph. I also started to realize that in my second native tongue Spanish, which I can think of many Homographs I could incorporate to English. An example could be aguas, which means waters in English, but if I were to use it in Spanish it means watch out or be careful. So in a way it is interesting how one word can have two meanings at once even if its in English, Spanish, French etc.… So one word doesn’t have to actually mean one thing in one language because it can mean something else in the other language. So ever since that day I have been searching for words with two different meanings to try and expand my vocabulary and knowledge. Daily I still look at the word of the day in my phone application to try and learn new words even though they might not have two different meanings because who knows later on I might see it. When I do I will know what the meaning of it is.

Who would have ever thought of it like that either way? One word two different meanings. It never hit me until this word was presented to me.

With that in mind I tried to apply it to architecture since it’s my passion but did not come out to many a very good examples. I did however come across an interpretation of what one can tell us from just a simple building. The architect could have tried to convey a message when designing the building but others saw the message as something else than its usual meaning. One good example could also be one building two different purposes for its use. A Stadium can be used for football or just simply concerts. It is like they say with pictures. One picture is worth a thousand words. Different people have different thoughts on it so it can be interpreted differently.  This however does change a bit to the subject matter of a homograph. So how many homographs can you think of out of your head right now that this just got presented to you?

Works Cited

“Homograph.” Dictionary.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 June 2011. <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/homograph&gt;.

“Aguas.” Urban Dictionary. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 June 2011. <http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=aguas&gt;.