10 words that have opposite meanings

10 words that have opposite meanings

10 words that have opposite meanings

We love to use words. They help us communicate what we think and mean. Unfortunately, sometimes words can be devious. Take the list below. Each of the words can have two meanings, which are opposite to each other.

  1. Bolt: to run away or to secure
    Bolt the door or he may bolt with your laptop.
  2. Cleave: to join or to separate
    Now cleaved together, the newlyweds cleaved their wedding cake.
  3. Garnish: to add something to or take away from
    Because the new cook didn’t garnish the customer’s plate, the head chef garnished his wages.
  4. Oversight: watchful care or an error
    Despite the editor’s oversight of the news story, there was still an oversight in spelling.
  5. Refrain: to restrain or to repeat
    Refrain from adding a fourth refrain at the end of that song.
  6. Resign: to give up or sign on again. Use a hyphen (re-sign) for the latter meaning.
  7. Root: to pull up or to get something to take root.
    Root out bad actions before they take root as bad habits.
  8. Sanction: to prohibit or to allow.
    We have sanctioned you from talking to any of our sanctioned distributors.
  9. Trim: to remove from or to add to.
    Trim the large branches of your Christmas tree so you can more easily trim it with decorations.
  10. Weather: to withstand or to wear away.
    He managed to weather his hardships, but his hardships had weathered his face with wrinkles and a scowl.

Always take care in making sure your message is clear and unambiguous.

Can you think of any other words with double meanings?

By Kim Siever

I am a copywriter and copyeditor. I blog on writing and social media tips mostly, but I sometimes throw in my thoughts about running a small business. Follow me on Twitter at @hotpepper.

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