English can be really tricky! Sometimes the same word can have multiple meanings. Even more confusing, a contranym is a word that can have two opposite meanings! Some contranyms just happen to be spelled the same despite having different origins, while others are a single word that has acquired multiple meanings over time. This is advanced stuff, so don’t worry if it’s confusing.

Below are a few examples of contranyms in American English.

Sanction:

a) to give official approval or permission for (e.g. The king sanctioned the expedition.)

b) to impose a penalty on (e.g. The expedition was against the king’s wishes, so he imposed a sanction on the explorers).

Oversight:

a) supervision or regulation of someone or something (e.g. The industry was polluting too much, so it was put under government oversight).

b) a failure to see or observe; something that was ignored or forgotten (e.g. When asked how the pollution got so bad, the board said it was an oversight).

Left:

a) remaining (e.g. Who is left at the party?)

b) departed (e.g. No one! Everyone has left.)

Fast:

a) moving or happening quickly (e.g. Wow! That was fast.)

b) fixed or unmoving (e.g. The glue was holding fast.)

Out:

a) visible (e.g. It’s a good thing the moon was out).

b) invisible (e.g. All the lights went out!).