What Is a Contronym in Writing?
In this post, learn what contronym is, including the definition of a contronym and example contronyms.
On this site, I've discussed the differences between antonyms, homonyms, and synonyms, but I recently came across a new (to me) term: contronym. And it's actually a pretty useful term and idea, especially for writers who like playing around with meaning and interpretation. So let's peel back what a contronym is.
What Is a Contronym?
A contronym is a word that has two opposite meanings. For instance, the word rock can be used to describe someone or something that is unmovable or unshakable; however, rock can also describe the motion of someone or something moving and shaking (possibly even violently).
In essence, a contronym is a word that is contrary to itself. As such, contronyms offer writers the opportunity to play with double meanings (and in this case, those meanings can be contradictory).
Examples of Contronyms
There are many contronyms available to writers, but here are a few examples to get you started:
- bolt, which means to secure in place or to escape
- buckle, which means to fasten two pieces or refers to breaking apart
- dust, which means to add small particles to something or to remove small particles from something
- finish, which means to complete something or to destroy something
- fix, which means to repair or to break
- garnish, which means to add (as with a salad) or to take away (as with a salary)
- refrain, which means to stop or to repeat
- sanction, which means to approve or to boycott
- skin, which means to cover (with a skin) or to remove (a skin)
- weather, which means to withstand (possibly a storm) or to wear away (possibly as a result of storms)
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No matter what type of writing you do, mastering the fundamentals of grammar and mechanics is an important first step to having a successful writing career.
Robert Lee Brewer is Senior Editor of Writer's Digest, which includes managing the content on WritersDigest.com and programming virtual conferences. He's the author of 40 Plot Twist Prompts for Writers: Writing Ideas for Bending Stories in New Directions, The Complete Guide of Poetic Forms: 100+ Poetic Form Definitions and Examples for Poets, Poem-a-Day: 365 Poetry Writing Prompts for a Year of Poeming, and more. Also, he's the editor of Writer's Market, Poet's Market, and Guide to Literary Agents. Follow him on Twitter @robertleebrewer.
