contranym

contranym

English

Alternative forms

• contronym

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈkɒn.tɹə.nɪm/
• (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

Translations

Spanish: autoantónimo m

See also

• Appendix:English contranyms
• Category:Contranyms by language

References

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