While learning English, you’ve definitely come across synonyms, which are words that have the same meaning; antonyms, which are words that have opposite meanings; and homonyms, which are words that have similar spelling and pronunciation, but have different meanings. But, have you ever heard of contronyms? Just like the name suggests, these are words with the same spelling and even pronunciation, but have opposite meanings. You might actually be using them without even noticing it. Here are a few examples of contronyms.
= (2) a replica or a copy: I managed to buy a model of the Titanic ship.
= (2) to sprinkle something with powdery substance: The chef dusts the cake with fine sugar before packing it nicely.
= (2) to let remain: Leave the door open so I can hear what’s happening outside.
= (2) to supervise; to watch closely: The teachers will overlook the students’ behavior during the trip.
= (2) to endure; to withstand: It was surprising that the small ship was able to weather a terrible storm at the sea.
= (2) to allow someone to use something in return for payment: He’s renting out the house he just bought to his friends.
= (2) to be tied or fastened: The authorities were able to save the woman who was bound to a tree.
Can you think of some words that are contronyms?