[net.nlang] Opposites?

otto (02/06/83)

Two other words that look as if they should be opposites, but mean the same
thing, are ravel and unravel.

George Otto
Bell Labs, Indian Hill
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otto (02/06/83)

A friend recently pointed out to me that the word "livid" has an assortment
of contradictory meanings:

	1: black and blue
	2: bright red
	3: pal
lid, white

George Otto
Bell Labs, Indian Hill
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custead (02/07/83)

Another word with "opposite" meanings is 'patronize'.
You can patronize someone in a positive sense -- to be their patron;
or in a negative sense -- to be condescending toward them.
Guess which one prevails on the net.
		
		custead
		don't believe everything you read on usenet

death (02/14/83)

George Carlin had the definitive opinion regarding "flammable/inflammable"
as a warning on automobiles...when you're about to collide
with a truck bearing either logo, quickly put out any cigarettes.

				-=- dd

dave (02/17/83)

How about "tabling" a motion? To some it means "putting it on the
table for discussion"; to others it's "putting it aside for later
consideration [read, never]"

Dave Sherman
Toronto