Contranyms

**RonBee** · 26-Nov-2003, 18:22

One usage is as a verb. The other is as a noun. (Is it still a true contranym?)

let
n.

Something that hinders; an obstacle: free to investigate without let or hindrance.
Sports. An invalid stroke in tennis and other net games that requires a replay.

tr.v. Archaic let·ted, or let let·ting, lets
To hinder or obstruct.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=let

The etemology is interesting.

[Middle English lette, from letten, to hinder, from Old English lettan. See l- in Indo-European Roots.]
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=let

:)

**Tdol** · 26-Nov-2003, 22:56

I see no reason why it shouldn't be one. Anyway, it was not bad for so early in the day.

**queenmaabd** · 17-Jun-2004, 23:51

I just found out that contranyms can also be called autoantonyms....
check out http://fun-with-words.com/nym_autoantonyms.html

**Tdol** · 18-Jun-2004, 00:29

That's news to me- thanks.

**Francois** · 18-Jun-2004, 09:15

I knew that 'cleave' and 'overlook' had that property, as well as 'table' (related to bills, right?).
Thank you very much for the link!

FRC

**catgirl5379** · 08-Mar-2009, 00:32

some additional contranyms are overlook to supervise or omit
inflammable which means able to burst into flames or non flammable

Thread: Contranyms