English Vocabulary

[hatman]

How many words can we come up with that satisfy the following requirement?

Two of the accepted definitions are antonyms. In this case, I'm considering "accepted definitions" to be definitions listed in some abridged or unabridged online dictionary. I'm thinking about any of the online dictionaries that are searched by www.onelook.com


I'll get the ball rolling:

Cleave

1) to cut off; sever: to cleave a branch from a tree.

2) to adhere, cling, or stick fast.

 

[RoryA]

Infer.
In spite of my belief that it should not be, an 'accepted' meaning is also to imply.

 

[Mark O'Brien]

Sanction

Definition: (n.) 1. punitive action intended to pressure a country into following international laws; 2. punishment for breaking rules or regulations; 3. official support for something; (v.) to give authority or approval

It used to confuse me when countries imposed "sanctions" on each other. I used to think, "well that's nice that they're giving each other permission to trade".

 

[Joe4]

Very slight variation (punctuation), but the one that drives me crazy in the sports world is "resign" and "re-sign" (though I have "re-sign" spelled "resign").

Did my favorite athlete just quit the team or sign a new contract?

 

[hatman]

Very slight variation (punctuation), but the one that drives me crazy in the sports world is "resign" and "re-sign" (though I have "re-sign" spelled "resign").

Did my favorite athlete just quit the team or sign a new contract?

Hmm, while this is certainly a vexing usage problem (much like people who don't know when to use ensure versus insure) niether of those words has two meanings that are opposites.

Rory, I'll give that one to you, even though I think that Dictionary.com does not list to opposing definitions for Infer. This word DOES play into a funny Wierd Al song.

Mark, I like Sanction. I hadn't come across that one yet.

 

[sous2817]

A few more:

Cut (Someone can cut in line or you can cut out of line)
Dust (You can apply and remove dust with the same word)
Root (Like when a seed grows, or to remove a problem)
Trim (Trim a christmas tree or trim your hair)

 

[texasalynn]

and this one
desert
To abandon a place
or
A dry arid land

 

[Aqiros]

What you are listing are called Contronyms here is a website with a whole list...

http://www.rinkworks.com/words/contronyms.shtml

 

[Greg Truby]

What you are listing are called Contronyms here is a website with a whole list...

http://www.rinkworks.com/words/contronyms.shtml

Well, I hadn't really thought about it, but after lookin' at that list -- should the doc ever say he's a gonna "fix me right up", I'll be sure to ask fer clarification!

 

[Andrew Fergus]

Much like the line "take care of her" in the movie 'Pulp Fiction':
Jules : "You going to take care of her?" (makes a pistol with his fingers)
Vincent Vega : "No no, take her out on a date."