word
contronym
KON-truh-nim
ˈkɒntrənɪmListen
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Syllable breakdown
contronym
Sounds like
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Dictionary meaning
A word with two opposite meanings, e.g. 'sanction' (to permit) and 'sanction' (to penalise).
History and origin
Latin/Greek — 'contra' (against) + 'onyma' (name). Also called a 'Janus word'.
Examples
- 'Cleave' is a perfect contronym — it means both to split apart and to stick together.
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