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What is it called when words mean the opposite?
contronym
If so, you may have come across a contronym. A contronym, often referred to as a Janus word or auto-antonym, is a word that evokes contradictory or reverse meanings depending on the context.
Why does egregious have two meanings?
It comes from a Latin word whose root means “flock,” as in a flock of birds. The whole Latin word means “standing out from the flock.” Originally, “egregious” meant to stand out from the flock in a good way; but now, thanks to our snarky ancestors, it means to stand out from the flock in a bad way.
Do other languages have Contronyms?
Contronyms are also present in other languages; in French, hôte means either host or guest while in Hawaiian, aloha means both hello and goodbye. The same is said for ciao in Italian.
Is it polite to say sorry in Danish?
However, as in any country it’s always polite to have a few words in Danish in order to communicate. Anyone who has visited a foreign language country knows the uncomfortable feeling of not knowing how to say sorry to somebody because you bumped into them.
How can you tell if a Danish person is thinking?
But especially when the word is being drawn out (‘Joooeh….’, ‘Jaaaa…’), you can tell that your Danish friend is thinking, puzzled or sceptical perhaps by something you’ve said or asked him.
What is a word that is its own opposite?
A ‘Janus word’ is a word that is its own opposite—like ‘fast’, which can refer both to moving very quickly and to staying put. Frequently described as “words that are their own opposites,” Janus words are also known as contronyms, antagonyms, or auto-antonyms.
Do I need to speak Danish when traveling to Denmark?
In Denmark in particular, don’t fear that saying “hello” in Danish will result in someone believing you speak Danish. Your average Dane will immediately recognize your English accent and be delighted to practice their English skills, yet your use of a few words of Danish will mark you as an experienced traveler.