We’ll give out tips and techniques for English vocabulary improvement until our eyes give out and we can’t read or type any more – in other words, we’ll provide resources in the form of these blog posts so long as we don’t lose energy or resources. Confused? Well, that’s a contranym for you: they’re words or phrases that have two contradictory definitions. On the one hand, that’s quite useful; you only have to learn one word to get two ways to use it. On the other hand, and especially for ESL students, it means you have to pay careful attention to context to make sure you understand how and why the word is being used. We’ve collected a list of common contranyms (also spelled contronyms or referred to as auto-antonyms) and listed them below, along with their definitions. Practice using each form of the word in a sentence of your own, and you’ll eliminate any confusion.

seed
Definition: To sow seeds, or to take seeds out.
Example 1: They need to seed the lawn before the rain starts, or the park won’t be ready for visitors in time.
Example 2: Before making the sauce, seed your tomatoes or the texture will be unpleasant and the taste will be bitter.

garnish
Definition: To add something, or to take something away.
Example 1: It used to be parsley, but now microgreens are the garnish of choice for plates in trendy restaurants.
Example 2: Because he owes back taxes, the state government will garnish his wages for a year to get that money.

buckle
Definition: To connect together, or to fall apart.
Example 1: Does anyone in an airplane ever really watch the demonstration on how to buckle your seatbelt?
Example 2: When the truck hit the bridge support, the entire span started to buckle and fall into the river.

screen
Definition: To reveal or examine, or to hide.
Example 1: The temporary employment office will screen all candidates for suitability before referring them to the HR department.
Example 2: Many people use portable shelters at the beach to screen very young children from the harsh rays of the sun.

Which contranyms do you find to be particularly contrary and contradictory?