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Old 10-Jul-2009, 15:53
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Default two completely opposite and contrary meanings of the word "oversight"

Dear teachers,

Here are four sentences involving the word “oversight”.

It was through an oversight that you were not invited.
Her name was omitted through an oversight.
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts is one of seven subcommittees within the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Oversight Systems is a US company, founded in late 2003, which develops and sell computer software that helps businesses contiually check for inside fraud, errors and other problems.

Would you be kind enough to explain to me the peaceful co-existence of the two completely opposite and contrary meanings “watchful care; superintedence; general supervision” and “an overlooking; an omission; an error”?

Regards,

V.
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Old 10-Jul-2009, 18:54
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Default Re: two completely opposite and contrary meanings of the word "oversight"

Yes, the former is a noun related to the verb "to oversee," to supervise.

The latter is related to the verb "to overlook," to ignore in error.
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Old 10-Jul-2009, 21:36
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Default Re: two completely opposite and contrary meanings of the word "oversight"

If you want another, look up "cleave."
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Old 10-Jul-2009, 23:38
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Default Re: two completely opposite and contrary meanings of the word "oversight"

Here are some more self-antonyms/auto-antonyms/contronyms:
Seth Teller's Self-Antonym / Janus Word / Contronym Page
List of auto-antonyms in English - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Not all of them are equally convincing or confusing.
"Sanction" is my current favourite.
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