Contonyms

Languages contain interesting semantics. In studying what words mean, we see patterns emerge. The English language offers, for example: synonyms (different words with similar meanings, like kind and benevolent), antonyms (words with opposite meanings, like hot and cold), and homonyms (words with the same spelling and pronunciation but have different meanings, like bear “I just saw a grizzly bear” and “Bear with me a moment”). We also have contonyms, which are words that are identical – spelled the same and sounding the same, but have contradictory definitions.

Here are a few of them:

Bolt – the word can denote the noun that is something to secure or keep from becoming loose, or the verb that means to quickly run away. Be sure to tighten the bolts so the table doesn’t fall apart. Or He bolted at the first sign of danger.

Dust – the small particles that filter through the air and cover things, sometimes leaving a small film of matter, or the act that removes those particles. The furniture is covered in dust. Or It is time to dust the furniture.

Left – something that remains, or something that is gone. Otto Frank was the only survivor left of his family. Or The Confederates left the day after the Battle of Gettysburg.

Apology – to vocalize sorrow or regret for one’s actions, or to defend someone’s actions or stance. I gave a sincere apology for what I said. Or The scholar offered an apology to defend the ancient king’s actions. Often, an official defender is called an apologist. This noun is rarely used in showing regret.

Oversight – the word denotes both watchfulness and lack of it. The oversight committee found a plethora of waste in the budget. Or The allowance of waste was an oversight.

Fast – As an adverb, the word means to keep tight or secure, or to be quick. Hold him fast so he doesn’t escape. Or He can run really fast. (There is another meaning to this word, as the verb to fast is defined as not eating: I have to fast before going to the doctor today).

Cleave – this verb has opposite meanings, which can mean to cut in half or separate, or to hold tightly together. The lumberjacks can quickly cleave the trees in two. Or The family must cleave together for safety. (This second definition is rather archaic – we rarely use this form today).

Sanction – a verb that can mean to approve, or to boycott. We completely sanction this marriage. Or President Roosevelt sanctioned Japan to prevent them getting gasoline to power their planes, which led to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Bound – This word can be either a verb meaning to run boisterously, or an adjective describing being tied up, the past tense of bind. “The dogs bound excitedly through the field.” Or “The criminal was bound tightly to prevent his escape.”

Weather – when used as a verb, weather is a contonym that can mean both to endure or to erode and wear away. We decided to weather the storm inside the cave. Or His face looks weathered, evidence of years of too much sun.

There are many more contonyms than the ones mentioned here. 

They certainly keep language interesting. It all depends on the semantics, and the context in which they are used.

Pass the word.