Contronym

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /kɑntrənim/

Definitions of contronym

noun a word that has two opposite meanings

Example Sentences

A1 A contronym is a word that has two opposite meanings.

A2 Students in the A2 level are learning about contronyms and their unique characteristics.

B1 Understanding contronyms can be challenging for English language learners at the B1 level.

B2 In the B2 level, students are expected to identify contronyms in sentences and explain their dual meanings.

C1 Proficient English speakers at the C1 level can easily recognize contronyms and use them effectively in writing.

C2 C2 level students are able to analyze the nuances of contronyms and appreciate their linguistic complexity.

adjective describing a word that has two opposite meanings

Example Sentences

A1 The word 'cleave' is a contronym because it can mean both to stick together and to split apart.

A2 It can be confusing when a word like 'dust' is a contronym, meaning both to remove dust and to add a fine powder.

B1 Contronyms like 'fast' can cause misunderstandings because they can mean moving quickly or not moving at all.

B2 Some contronyms, such as 'sanction', have completely opposite meanings depending on the context.

C1 Linguists find contronyms fascinating because they showcase the complexity and flexibility of language.

C2 Contronyms like 'overlook' challenge readers to consider multiple interpretations within a single word.

Examples of contronym in a Sentence

formal A contronym is a word that has two opposite meanings.

informal Contronyms can be confusing because they have contradictory definitions.

slang I just learned about this crazy thing called a contronym.

figurative The word 'fast' is a contronym because it can mean moving quickly or fixed in place.

Grammatical Forms of contronym

past tense

contronymed

plural

contronyms

comparative

more contronym

superlative

most contronym

present tense

contronym

future tense

will contronym

perfect tense

have contronymed

continuous tense

is contronying

singular

contronym

positive degree

contronym

infinitive

to contronym

gerund

contronyming

participle

contronymed

Origin and Evolution of contronym

First Known Use: 1990 year
Language of Origin: Greek
Story behind the word: The word 'contronym' is derived from the Greek roots 'contra-' meaning against or opposite, and '-onym' meaning name or word.
Evolution of the word: The term 'contronym' was first used in the 1990s to describe words that have opposite meanings depending on the context in which they are used. It has since gained popularity in linguistic circles to categorize words with this unique characteristic.