What are 'Contronyms'?

4년 전

English can be a difficult language. When I was growing up as a native speaker, it all seemed so easy. It was only when I started trying to understand it from the perspective of my students that I realized how complicated it is!

For example, there are quite a lot of English language words that can have completely opposite meanings, depending on the context! Here are just ten:

Bound: heading to a destination, or restrained from movement 
Clip: to fasten, or to detach 
Consult: to offer advice, or to obtain it 
Dollop: a large amount of something, or a small amount of something
Dust: to add fine particles, or to remove them
Fine: excellent, or just about good enough
Go: to proceed or succeed, or to weaken or fail 
Handicap: an advantage provided to ensure equality, or a disadvantage that prevents equal achievement
Hold up: to support, or to stop progress
Off: Deactivated, or activated, as an alarm
If that seems confusing, don't worry! By getting frequent English practice, and speaking with a native speaker who can gently point out your mistakes, you can make great progress really quickly!