Do you know what contronyms are? Here are the most popular examples

We all know about synonyms (equivalents) and antonyms (opposites), but did you know that something called contronyms exist in the English language? Well, the English vocabulary is considered to be extremely dynamic, thanks to its expanse and fun twists. Contronym is one such fun element of the English language.   

We have all have our moments of doubt and hesitation while penning down or articulating something. Sometimes, one a single word has different meanings in different contexts. This is exactly where contronyms come in. Let us take a closer look at this unique feature of the English vocabulary. 

What are contronyms? 
Also called contranym or autoantonym, a contronym is a single word that has two separate definitions and can be used as each other’s opposites, but has the same pronunciation. According to the Webster dictionary, a contronym “is a word with a homonym (word with same spelling but different meaning), that is also an antonym (a word with an opposite meaning).” Contronym is also sometimes called ‘Janus words’. The name is derived from the two-faced Roman goddess Janus.  

Popular examples of contronyms  
Here is our list of 6 popular contronyms that bear contradictory and two-faced meanings. 

Bolt: The word bolt means both to leave by fleeing or to hold together.  
i) Seeing the snake the rabbit bolted. 
ii) Bolt the wood to the bench. 

Finished: The word finished may mean both completed and destroyed.  
i) I finished my work on time. 
ii) The rumours finished his career. 

Out: The word out means both visible and invisible, depending on the context.
i) The stars are out right now. 
ii) The lights have been out since the evening. 

Overlook: The word overlook means both to watch over and to fail to notice.  
i) He took the responsibility of overlooking a gang of labourers. 
ii) I am not willing to overlook such ill behaviour. 

Screen: The word screen has two contradictory meanings, one, to hide and the other to show or exhibit.  
i) The news report was screened for political reasons. 
ii) The movie will be screened at the Star theatre. 

Custom: The word custom has two opposite connotations, either a common practice or a specially made item.  
i) It’s a custom in my family to shake the hands of guests. 
ii) My large feet need custom shoes.