Pronunciation: /ˈɔːtoʊ ˈæntənɪm/
noun a word that can have opposite meanings depending on the context in which it is used
A1 The word 'cleave' is an auto antonym because it can mean both to stick together and to split apart.
A2 Students learning English often encounter auto antonyms like 'fast,' which can mean moving quickly or not moving at all.
B1 Understanding auto antonyms can be challenging for language learners, as words like 'dust' can mean both to remove dust and to add dust.
B2 In linguistics, auto antonyms are also known as contronyms, such as 'sanction' which can mean to approve or to impose a penalty.
C1 Auto antonyms are fascinating examples of language complexity, demonstrating how words can have contradictory meanings depending on context.
C2 The study of auto antonyms reveals the intricacies of language evolution and the ways in which words can change in meaning over time.
formal The term 'auto antonym' refers to a word that can have opposite meanings depending on the context.
informal It's so confusing when a word is its own opposite, like an auto antonym.
slang I hate when words are like, totally auto antonyms, it's just too much.
figurative Her smile was an auto antonym, hiding both joy and sorrow.
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