Contronyms
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@Axtremus said in Contronyms:
Like Window’s “Start” button, you click it to shutdown the computer.
Swing and a miss.
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I had only thought about this with the word apology.
There’s another similar, which has opposing meanings as a verb or an adjective/noun: moot
To moot an idea is to bring it into consideration.
If a topic is made moot, it is made irrelevant, taken out of consideration.
@jon-nyc said in Contronyms:
To moot an idea is to bring it into consideration.
Really? I haven't heard of that before.
I can think of a phrase that qualifies: I'm sure. Much of the time, when somebody says I'm sure, they're saying they're not sure. As in, "I'm sure it'll be fine," which is saying you're in fact not sure.
Often when they really mean they're sure, they'll say I'm sure of it.
Success is measured by your discipline and inner peace. – Mike Ditka
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The proctor at my SAT told us that it was his job to overlook all of the students and make sure that no cheating occurred…
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@jon-nyc said in Contronyms:
To moot an idea is to bring it into consideration.
Really? I haven't heard of that before.
I can think of a phrase that qualifies: I'm sure. Much of the time, when somebody says I'm sure, they're saying they're not sure. As in, "I'm sure it'll be fine," which is saying you're in fact not sure.
Often when they really mean they're sure, they'll say I'm sure of it.
Origin of the word moot and its definitions go back to Anglo-Saxon England:
https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803124243390
Elbows up!
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Origin of the word moot and its definitions go back to Anglo-Saxon England:
https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803124243390
In Dennis Taylor's "We Are Bob" series of sci-fi books, the various iterations of "Bob" hold virtual meetings to discuss plans, problems, etc.
They are called "moots."
“It depends on the power of the computer that’s hosting it, Henry. I’ve got a huge system here in Epsilon Eridani that’s specifically designed for hosting. I’ve hosted baseball games, and Bob-moots with dozens of Bobs at a time.” I glanced at each of them in turn. “You guys both have some catching up to do. Linus, I’ve started building a latest-generation vessel for each of you. Henry, it’s up to you what you want to do. I understand you have some sensitivities that you’re dealing with. There’s no hurry. We have, literally, all the time in the universe.”
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@jon-nyc said in Contronyms:
To moot an idea is to bring it into consideration.
Really? I haven't heard of that before.
I can think of a phrase that qualifies: I'm sure. Much of the time, when somebody says I'm sure, they're saying they're not sure. As in, "I'm sure it'll be fine," which is saying you're in fact not sure.
Often when they really mean they're sure, they'll say I'm sure of it.
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Origin of the word moot and its definitions go back to Anglo-Saxon England:
https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803124243390
@Renauda said in Contronyms:
Origin of the word moot and its definitions go back to Anglo-Saxon England:
https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803124243390
I suppose Tolkien was aware of that usage when he coined “entmoot”.
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@Mik said in Contronyms:
English is a difficult language.
This!!What would be an sentence example of #5 - dust: to add fine particles?
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@Mik said in Contronyms:
English is a difficult language.
This!!What would be an sentence example of #5 - dust: to add fine particles?
@taiwan_girl said in Contronyms:
@Mik said in Contronyms:
English is a difficult language.
This!!What would be an sentence example of #5 - dust: to add fine particles?
TG, please dust the donuts with powdered sugar.
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@Mik said in Contronyms:
English is a difficult language.
This!!What would be an sentence example of #5 - dust: to add fine particles?
Or where I live, in winter people will say “we had a dusting of snow over night”.
