Page started - 12/2/99
Last updated - 20/6/99
Answer 6: Meanings Split Apart
This type of word is known as an 'autoantonym'. For a long time, I thought that "CLEAVE" was the only example in the English Language, meaning both to split apart and to bring together. In fact, there are several other examples, the exact number depends on how strictly you choose to interpret the definition. They include:| Mate | Sexual partner of the opposite sex | Platonic partner of (usually) the same sex |
| Dust | To sprinkle with dust (icing on cake) | To remove (household) dust |
| Fast (1) | Quick | Immovable |
| Left | To go away (He left the scene) | To stay behind (He was left behind) |
| Fast (2) | Permanent colour (colour fast) i.e. does not fade with light | Short exposure time for film (fast film) i.e. sensitive to light |
| Overlook | Don't see (Miss) | See from above (Can't miss) |
| Oversee | Forget | Supervise (remind) |
| Quantum Leap | Smallest possible discrete change (in state) | Largest possible leap (in imagination) |
| Wicked | Evil | Good (excellent) |
| Biweekly/ Bimonthly |
Twice a week/month | Once every two weeks/months |