Have you ever noticed the word nonplussed has two opposite meanings?
The original definitions of nonplussed is perplexed or disconcerted. Recently, and primarily in the U.S., nonplussed has come to mean unfazed or not surprised – the exact opposite of the original definition.
The opposite definitions are certainly confusing but surprisingly it’s not that rare in the English language. Words with two opposite meanings even have a name – they are called contranyms or Janus words, named after the Greek God with two faces. (As an aside, miscellaneous sources spell it as contranym or contronym.)
Here are 10 of my favorite examples of words with two opposite meanings:
Bound: Heading towards a destination (bound for the airport) or restrained from movement (bound by chains).
Clip: To fasten or attach (clip a photo) or to cut or detach (clip a coupon).
Dust: To cover something with fine particles (dust a cake) or to remove dust (cleaning a house).
Fast: Quick or moving rapidly (a fast car) or fixed and unmoving (holding fast).
Lease: To rent for your own use (lease an apartment) or to offer something for rent for someone else’s use (lease out a car).
Peruse: To read carefully and thoroughly (peruse a menu before going to a restaurant) or to skim or glance over (peruse a magazine while in a checkout line).
Quantum: A very large amount (a quantum leap) or a very small amount (a quantum of information).
Sanction: To approve or authorize (sanction a project) or to punish or penalize (sanction a country).
Screen: To present or show (screen a movie) or to conceal or hide (screen a letter).
Variety: A specific type (Chardonnay is a variety of grape) or many types (variety of flowers were available).
One word with two opposite meanings is yet another example of how English can be confusing, especially for non-native speakers. It’s also a reminder to be simple and clear in your communication. Just because you know what you mean doesn’t mean it’s obvious to others.
After perusing this article, I hope you’re no longer nonplussed (original definition) about contranyms and will be nonplussed (US definition) when you encounter them. And reply in the comments with your favorite contranym.
“Bound” is even more confusing when you consider that the two contranym meanings are definitions two and three for the word, which also has the meaning of “a leaping movement upward.” Sanction is one that has perplexed me, especially in political contexts where both definitions may be used in the same conversation. I had not heard of the new meaning for nonplussed, which I find somewhat distressing because of the potential for confusion. “Sick” is another word that recently has become a contranym, acquiring a secondary definition of “excellent,” as in “That baseball pitcher throws a sick curveball.”