Conundrums: Crazy Contronyms

We all know how quirky, fickle, and just plain weird the English language can be. Here’s more proof. Ever hear of a contranym? It’s a word that can have two completely opposite meanings, depending on its context. They’re enough to drive an ESL student bonkers.

Here are some examples of contranyms and their double—opposite—meanings:

Bound—heading to someplace, or being restrained from something
Custom—a common practice, or a special treatment
Garnish—to add (as in food), or to take away (as in wages)
Sanction—to approve, or to boycott
Splice—to join, or to separate
Strike—to hit, or to miss (as in baseball)
Transparent—invisible, or obvious
Trim—to add (as in decorating), or to remove excess
Variety—one particular type, or having many types
Wear—to endure, or to deteriorate
Weather—to withstand, or to wear away