contranym

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

contra- + -nym, coined 1962 by Jack Herring as contronym.[1]

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈkɒn.tɹə.nɪm/
    • (file)
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈkɑn.tɹə.nɪm/

Noun

contranym (plural contranyms)

  1. A word that has two opposing meanings, such as cleave (“stick together” or “split apart”).
    Synonyms: autoantonym, antagonym, Janus word

Translations

See also

References

  1. Herring, Jack. Word Study (February 1962).
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