Job Discussion Forums

[Gonzo]

My adult students were totally bemused by "sanction", which has meanings that seem to be totally at odds with each other. At one end of the spectrum, it can mean to give official approval to something. At the other, it can be a penalty or coercive measure. And it is only one word we're dealing with here, not different words with the same spelling.
Any other words you've come across like this?

FROM www.yourdictionary.com
A law or decree.
The penalty for noncompliance specified in a law or decree.
A penalty, specified or in the form of moral pressure, that acts to ensure compliance or conformity.
A coercive measure adopted usually by several nations acting together against a nation violating international law.
tr.v. sanc�tioned, sanc�tion�ing, sanc�tions
To give official authorization or approval to: "The president, we are told, has sanctioned greed at the cost of compassion" (David Rankin).
To encourage or tolerate by indicating approval. See Synonyms at approve.
To penalize, especially for violating a moral principle or international law.

[johnslat]

Dear Gonzo,
Take a look here - or, to use antiphrasis - scan this

http://www.linguistlist.org/issues/6/6-74.html

and this:

http://www.sbmin.com/articles/com/jul96she.htm

The English, she is crazy.

Regards,
John

[Shaman]

[johnslat]

Dear Shaman,
Certainly not - had I been speaking to YOUR students, I'm sure my English would be greatly improved.
Regards,
John

[Snoopy]

"Quite" is a difficult one, as it can be used in the sense of "absolutely", as in "quite sure" or "somewhat", as in "quite good".

[Echo]

Excellent links John Slat!

[dmb]

Echo, I agree. I love the term "auto-antonym" Can you imagine trying to teach ESP to an English Teacher?


OOps I have done. It's called the DELTA.