↔️ Contronyms
Some English words quietly contain their own opposites. Cleave can mean to split apart or to cling tightly. Sanction can mean to approve or to punish. These words are called contronyms (or auto-antonyms). Context almost always makes the intended meaning clear, yet the double life of each word remains surprising.
The words below are among the most useful and frequently noticed. Each entry shows both meanings, gives realistic examples, and notes how speakers usually tell the two senses apart.
↔️ Words That Mean Opposite Things
🪓 Cleave
Meanings: 1. To split or cut apart with force. 2. To hold tightly or stay loyal.
Examples:
The axe cleaved the log in a single blow.
She cleaved to her original decision despite strong pressure to change it.
1. Partir o cortar con fuerza. 2. Aferrarse o permanecer leal.
🇫🇷 French: Fendre / s’attacher
1. Fendre ou couper avec force. 2. S’accrocher ou rester fidèle.
🇩🇪 German: Spalten / festhalten
1. Mit Kraft spalten oder zerteilen. 2. Fest halten oder treu bleiben.
🇮🇹 Italian: Fendere / restare fedele
1. Spaccare o tagliare con forza. 2. Tenersi stretto o restare leale.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Fender / apegar-se
1. Partir ou cortar com força. 2. Apegar-se ou permanecer leal.
💡 Nuance: The “split” sense is more physical and forceful. The “stick closely” sense is often emotional or principled and appears in phrases like “cleave to.”
Meanings: 1. To split or cut apart with force. 2. To hold tightly or stay loyal.
Examples:
The axe cleaved the log in a single blow.
She cleaved to her original decision despite strong pressure to change it.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Hender / aferrarse1. Partir o cortar con fuerza. 2. Aferrarse o permanecer leal.
🇫🇷 French: Fendre / s’attacher
1. Fendre ou couper avec force. 2. S’accrocher ou rester fidèle.
🇩🇪 German: Spalten / festhalten
1. Mit Kraft spalten oder zerteilen. 2. Fest halten oder treu bleiben.
🇮🇹 Italian: Fendere / restare fedele
1. Spaccare o tagliare con forza. 2. Tenersi stretto o restare leale.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Fender / apegar-se
1. Partir ou cortar com força. 2. Apegar-se ou permanecer leal.
💡 Nuance: The “split” sense is more physical and forceful. The “stick closely” sense is often emotional or principled and appears in phrases like “cleave to.”
⚖️ Sanction
Meanings: 1. To give official approval. 2. To punish or penalize.
Examples:
The board sanctioned the new research project.
Several countries imposed economic sanctions after the agreement was broken.
1. Dar aprobación oficial. 2. Castigar o penalizar.
🇫🇷 French: Approuver / sanctionner
1. Donner une approbation officielle. 2. Punir ou pénaliser.
🇩🇪 German: Genehmigen / sanktionieren
1. Offiziell genehmigen. 2. Bestrafen oder mit Sanktionen belegen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Autorizare / sanzionare
1. Dare approvazione ufficiale. 2. Punire o penalizzare.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Autorizar / sancionar
1. Dar aprovação oficial. 2. Punir ou penalizar.
💡 Nuance: When sanction is a verb meaning “approve,” it is often positive. When it appears as a noun in the plural (“sanctions”), it almost always means penalties.
Meanings: 1. To give official approval. 2. To punish or penalize.
Examples:
The board sanctioned the new research project.
Several countries imposed economic sanctions after the agreement was broken.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Autorizar / sancionar1. Dar aprobación oficial. 2. Castigar o penalizar.
🇫🇷 French: Approuver / sanctionner
1. Donner une approbation officielle. 2. Punir ou pénaliser.
🇩🇪 German: Genehmigen / sanktionieren
1. Offiziell genehmigen. 2. Bestrafen oder mit Sanktionen belegen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Autorizare / sanzionare
1. Dare approvazione ufficiale. 2. Punire o penalizzare.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Autorizar / sancionar
1. Dar aprovação oficial. 2. Punir ou penalizar.
💡 Nuance: When sanction is a verb meaning “approve,” it is often positive. When it appears as a noun in the plural (“sanctions”), it almost always means penalties.
👁️ Oversight
Meanings: 1. Careful supervision. 2. An unintentional failure to notice something.
Examples:
The committee provides oversight of the entire budget process.
Leaving her name off the list was a simple oversight, not a deliberate exclusion.
1. Supervisión cuidadosa. 2. Un fallo involuntario al no notar algo.
🇫🇷 French: Supervision / oubli
1. Surveillance attentive. 2. Un oubli involontaire, un manque d’attention.
🇩🇪 German: Aufsicht / Versehen
1. Sorgfältige Aufsicht. 2. Ein unbeabsichtigtes Übersehen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Supervisione / svista
1. Supervisione attenta. 2. Un mancato avviso involontario.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Supervisão / descuido
1. Supervisão cuidadosa. 2. Uma falha involuntária em notar algo.
💡 Nuance: “Under the oversight of” signals supervision. “An oversight” almost always means a mistake of omission.
Meanings: 1. Careful supervision. 2. An unintentional failure to notice something.
Examples:
The committee provides oversight of the entire budget process.
Leaving her name off the list was a simple oversight, not a deliberate exclusion.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Supervisión / descuido1. Supervisión cuidadosa. 2. Un fallo involuntario al no notar algo.
🇫🇷 French: Supervision / oubli
1. Surveillance attentive. 2. Un oubli involontaire, un manque d’attention.
🇩🇪 German: Aufsicht / Versehen
1. Sorgfältige Aufsicht. 2. Ein unbeabsichtigtes Übersehen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Supervisione / svista
1. Supervisione attenta. 2. Un mancato avviso involontario.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Supervisão / descuido
1. Supervisão cuidadosa. 2. Uma falha involuntária em notar algo.
💡 Nuance: “Under the oversight of” signals supervision. “An oversight” almost always means a mistake of omission.
🧹 Dust
Meanings: 1. To wipe dust away. 2. To sprinkle a light layer of powder over something.
Examples:
She dusted the shelves before the guests arrived.
The baker dusted the cake with powdered sugar.
1. Quitar el polvo. 2. Espolvorear una capa ligera de polvo sobre algo.
🇫🇷 French: Dépoussiérer / saupoudrer
1. Enlever la poussière. 2. Saupoudrer une légère couche de poudre.
🇩🇪 German: Abstauben / bestäuben
1. Staub wegwischen. 2. Eine dünne Pulverschicht darüberstreuen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Spolverare / cospargere
1. Togliere la polvere. 2. Spargere uno strato leggero di polvere.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Tirar o pó / polvilhar
1. Tirar o pó. 2. Polvilhar uma camada leve de pó sobre algo.
💡 Nuance: Context decides everything. Cleaning furniture uses the first sense; cooking and finishing surfaces often use the second.
Meanings: 1. To wipe dust away. 2. To sprinkle a light layer of powder over something.
Examples:
She dusted the shelves before the guests arrived.
The baker dusted the cake with powdered sugar.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Quitar el polvo / espolvorear1. Quitar el polvo. 2. Espolvorear una capa ligera de polvo sobre algo.
🇫🇷 French: Dépoussiérer / saupoudrer
1. Enlever la poussière. 2. Saupoudrer une légère couche de poudre.
🇩🇪 German: Abstauben / bestäuben
1. Staub wegwischen. 2. Eine dünne Pulverschicht darüberstreuen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Spolverare / cospargere
1. Togliere la polvere. 2. Spargere uno strato leggero di polvere.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Tirar o pó / polvilhar
1. Tirar o pó. 2. Polvilhar uma camada leve de pó sobre algo.
💡 Nuance: Context decides everything. Cleaning furniture uses the first sense; cooking and finishing surfaces often use the second.
🚪 Left
Meanings: 1. Still remaining. 2. The opposite of right; also the past form of leave.
Examples:
Only two tickets were left when we arrived.
She turned left at the corner and left the building a moment later.
1. Lo que todavía queda. 2. Lo contrario de derecha; también el pasado de “leave” (salir).
🇫🇷 French: Rester / gauche / quitter
1. Ce qui reste encore. 2. Le contraire de droite ; aussi le passé de “leave”.
🇩🇪 German: Übrig / links / verlassen
1. Noch übrig. 2. Das Gegenteil von rechts; auch die Vergangenheit von “leave”.
🇮🇹 Italian: Rimanere / sinistra / lasciare
1. Ciò che resta ancora. 2. Il contrario di destra; anche il passato di “leave”.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Restar / esquerda / sair
1. O que ainda resta. 2. O oposto de direita; também o passado de “leave”.
💡 Nuance: The “remaining” sense is very common in everyday speech. Direction and the past-tense verb are usually clear from surrounding words.
Meanings: 1. Still remaining. 2. The opposite of right; also the past form of leave.
Examples:
Only two tickets were left when we arrived.
She turned left at the corner and left the building a moment later.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Quedar / izquierda / salir1. Lo que todavía queda. 2. Lo contrario de derecha; también el pasado de “leave” (salir).
🇫🇷 French: Rester / gauche / quitter
1. Ce qui reste encore. 2. Le contraire de droite ; aussi le passé de “leave”.
🇩🇪 German: Übrig / links / verlassen
1. Noch übrig. 2. Das Gegenteil von rechts; auch die Vergangenheit von “leave”.
🇮🇹 Italian: Rimanere / sinistra / lasciare
1. Ciò che resta ancora. 2. Il contrario di destra; anche il passato di “leave”.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Restar / esquerda / sair
1. O que ainda resta. 2. O oposto de direita; também o passado de “leave”.
💡 Nuance: The “remaining” sense is very common in everyday speech. Direction and the past-tense verb are usually clear from surrounding words.
🖥️ Screen
Meanings: 1. To show or project something (such as a film). 2. To hide, protect, or filter from view or access.
Examples:
The festival will screen three new documentaries this weekend.
A tall hedge screens the garden from the road.
1. Mostrar o proyectar algo (como una película). 2. Ocultar, proteger o filtrar de la vista o del acceso.
🇫🇷 French: Projeter / filtrer
1. Montrer ou projeter quelque chose (un film). 2. Cacher, protéger ou filtrer de la vue ou de l’accès.
🇩🇪 German: Vorführen / abschirmen
1. Etwas zeigen oder projizieren (z. B. einen Film). 2. Verbergen, schützen oder filtern.
🇮🇹 Italian: Proiettare / schermare
1. Mostrare o proiettare qualcosa (un film). 2. Nascondere, proteggere o filtrare dalla vista o dall’accesso.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Exibir / proteger
1. Mostrar ou projetar algo (como um filme). 2. Esconder, proteger ou filtrar da vista ou do acesso.
💡 Nuance: “Screen a film” means show it. “Screen applicants” or “screen a view” means filter or conceal. The noun “screen” itself can be either the display or the barrier.
Meanings: 1. To show or project something (such as a film). 2. To hide, protect, or filter from view or access.
Examples:
The festival will screen three new documentaries this weekend.
A tall hedge screens the garden from the road.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Proyectar / ocultar1. Mostrar o proyectar algo (como una película). 2. Ocultar, proteger o filtrar de la vista o del acceso.
🇫🇷 French: Projeter / filtrer
1. Montrer ou projeter quelque chose (un film). 2. Cacher, protéger ou filtrer de la vue ou de l’accès.
🇩🇪 German: Vorführen / abschirmen
1. Etwas zeigen oder projizieren (z. B. einen Film). 2. Verbergen, schützen oder filtern.
🇮🇹 Italian: Proiettare / schermare
1. Mostrare o proiettare qualcosa (un film). 2. Nascondere, proteggere o filtrare dalla vista o dall’accesso.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Exibir / proteger
1. Mostrar ou projetar algo (como um filme). 2. Esconder, proteger ou filtrar da vista ou do acesso.
💡 Nuance: “Screen a film” means show it. “Screen applicants” or “screen a view” means filter or conceal. The noun “screen” itself can be either the display or the barrier.
✂️ Trim
Meanings: 1. To cut away what is excess. 2. To add decorative finishing touches.
Examples:
He trimmed the hedges so they would not block the window.
They trimmed the tree with lights and ribbons.
1. Cortar lo que sobra. 2. Añadir toques decorativos finales.
🇫🇷 French: Tailler / orner
1. Couper ce qui est en trop. 2. Ajouter des finitions décoratives.
🇩🇪 German: Beschneiden / schmücken
1. Überschüssiges wegschneiden. 2. Dekorative letzte Hand anlegen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Tagliare / addobbare
1. Tagliare ciò che è in eccesso. 2. Aggiungere ritocchi decorativi.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Aparar / enfeitar
1. Cortar o que sobra. 2. Acrescentar toques decorativos finais.
💡 Nuance: Cutting sense is practical and subtractive. Decorating sense is additive. Both are common and rarely confused in context.
Meanings: 1. To cut away what is excess. 2. To add decorative finishing touches.
Examples:
He trimmed the hedges so they would not block the window.
They trimmed the tree with lights and ribbons.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Recortar / adornar1. Cortar lo que sobra. 2. Añadir toques decorativos finales.
🇫🇷 French: Tailler / orner
1. Couper ce qui est en trop. 2. Ajouter des finitions décoratives.
🇩🇪 German: Beschneiden / schmücken
1. Überschüssiges wegschneiden. 2. Dekorative letzte Hand anlegen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Tagliare / addobbare
1. Tagliare ciò che è in eccesso. 2. Aggiungere ritocchi decorativi.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Aparar / enfeitar
1. Cortar o que sobra. 2. Acrescentar toques decorativos finais.
💡 Nuance: Cutting sense is practical and subtractive. Decorating sense is additive. Both are common and rarely confused in context.
⚡ Fast
Meanings: 1. Moving quickly. 2. Fixed firmly so it cannot move.
Examples:
The train was fast and arrived ten minutes early.
The boat was held fast by strong ropes during the storm.
1. Que se mueve con rapidez. 2. Fijado con firmeza para que no se mueva.
🇫🇷 French: Rapide / ferme
1. Qui se déplace vite. 2. Fixé solidement pour ne pas bouger.
🇩🇪 German: Schnell / fest
1. Sich schnell bewegend. 2. Fest gehalten, sodass es sich nicht bewegt.
🇮🇹 Italian: Veloce / saldo
1. Che si muove in fretta. 2. Fissato saldamente così da non potersi muovere.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Rápido / preso
1. Que se move depressa. 2. Fixado com firmeza para não se mover.
💡 Nuance: The “quick” sense is far more common in modern speech. The “firmly fixed” sense survives in phrases such as “hold fast,” “fast asleep,” and “make fast.”
Meanings: 1. Moving quickly. 2. Fixed firmly so it cannot move.
Examples:
The train was fast and arrived ten minutes early.
The boat was held fast by strong ropes during the storm.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Rápido / fijo1. Que se mueve con rapidez. 2. Fijado con firmeza para que no se mueva.
🇫🇷 French: Rapide / ferme
1. Qui se déplace vite. 2. Fixé solidement pour ne pas bouger.
🇩🇪 German: Schnell / fest
1. Sich schnell bewegend. 2. Fest gehalten, sodass es sich nicht bewegt.
🇮🇹 Italian: Veloce / saldo
1. Che si muove in fretta. 2. Fissato saldamente così da non potersi muovere.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Rápido / preso
1. Que se move depressa. 2. Fixado com firmeza para não se mover.
💡 Nuance: The “quick” sense is far more common in modern speech. The “firmly fixed” sense survives in phrases such as “hold fast,” “fast asleep,” and “make fast.”
🔩 Bolt
Meanings: 1. To lock or fasten securely. 2. To run away suddenly.
Examples:
She bolted the door before going to bed.
The horse bolted when the fireworks began.
1. Cerrar o sujetar con seguridad. 2. Huir de pronto.
🇫🇷 French: Verrouiller / s’enfuir
1. Fermer ou fixer solidement. 2. S’enfuir soudainement.
🇩🇪 German: Verriegeln / davonstürmen
1. Fest verschließen oder sichern. 2. Plötzlich davonrennen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Sbarrare / scappare
1. Chiudere o fissare in modo sicuro. 2. Scappare all’improvviso.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Trancar / disparar
1. Trancar ou prender com segurança. 2. Fugir de súbito.
💡 Nuance: Physical fastening versus sudden flight. The second sense often carries urgency or panic.
Meanings: 1. To lock or fasten securely. 2. To run away suddenly.
Examples:
She bolted the door before going to bed.
The horse bolted when the fireworks began.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Atrancar / salir disparado1. Cerrar o sujetar con seguridad. 2. Huir de pronto.
🇫🇷 French: Verrouiller / s’enfuir
1. Fermer ou fixer solidement. 2. S’enfuir soudainement.
🇩🇪 German: Verriegeln / davonstürmen
1. Fest verschließen oder sichern. 2. Plötzlich davonrennen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Sbarrare / scappare
1. Chiudere o fissare in modo sicuro. 2. Scappare all’improvviso.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Trancar / disparar
1. Trancar ou prender com segurança. 2. Fugir de súbito.
💡 Nuance: Physical fastening versus sudden flight. The second sense often carries urgency or panic.
🌧️ Weather
Meanings: 1. To survive or come through a difficulty. 2. To be worn down by long exposure to the elements.
Examples:
The company managed to weather the financial crisis.
The old wooden sign had been weathered by years of sun and rain.
1. Sobrevivir o salir de una dificultad. 2. Desgastarse por larga exposición a los elementos.
🇫🇷 French: Traverser / s’altérer
1. Survivre à une difficulté. 2. S’user sous l’effet prolongé des éléments.
🇩🇪 German: Überstehen / verwittern
1. Eine Schwierigkeit überstehen. 2. Durch lange Witterung abgenutzt werden.
🇮🇹 Italian: Superare / consumarsi
1. Superare una difficoltà. 2. Consumarsi per lunga esposizione agli elementi.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Superar / desgastar
1. Sobreviver ou atravessar uma dificuldade. 2. Desgastar-se por longa exposição aos elementos.
💡 Nuance: “Weather a storm” (literal or figurative) means endure it. “Weathered wood” means it has been visibly altered by the elements.
Meanings: 1. To survive or come through a difficulty. 2. To be worn down by long exposure to the elements.
Examples:
The company managed to weather the financial crisis.
The old wooden sign had been weathered by years of sun and rain.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Superar / desgastarse1. Sobrevivir o salir de una dificultad. 2. Desgastarse por larga exposición a los elementos.
🇫🇷 French: Traverser / s’altérer
1. Survivre à une difficulté. 2. S’user sous l’effet prolongé des éléments.
🇩🇪 German: Überstehen / verwittern
1. Eine Schwierigkeit überstehen. 2. Durch lange Witterung abgenutzt werden.
🇮🇹 Italian: Superare / consumarsi
1. Superare una difficoltà. 2. Consumarsi per lunga esposizione agli elementi.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Superar / desgastar
1. Sobreviver ou atravessar uma dificuldade. 2. Desgastar-se por longa exposição aos elementos.
💡 Nuance: “Weather a storm” (literal or figurative) means endure it. “Weathered wood” means it has been visibly altered by the elements.
📎 Clip
Meanings: 1. To cut short or cut off. 2. To fasten with a clip.
Examples:
He clipped the article from the newspaper.
She clipped the microphone to her jacket.
1. Cortar o recortar. 2. Sujetar con un clip.
🇫🇷 French: Couper / attacher
1. Couper court ou détacher. 2. Fixer avec un clip.
🇩🇪 German: Abschneiden / festklammern
1. Abschneiden oder kürzen. 2. Mit einer Klammer befestigen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Ritagliare / fissare
1. Tagliare o staccare. 2. Fissare con una clip.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Recortar / prender
1. Cortar ou recortar. 2. Prender com um clipe.
💡 Nuance: Cutting versus attaching. Both senses remain active and are easily distinguished by the object and the situation.
Meanings: 1. To cut short or cut off. 2. To fasten with a clip.
Examples:
He clipped the article from the newspaper.
She clipped the microphone to her jacket.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Recortar / sujetar1. Cortar o recortar. 2. Sujetar con un clip.
🇫🇷 French: Couper / attacher
1. Couper court ou détacher. 2. Fixer avec un clip.
🇩🇪 German: Abschneiden / festklammern
1. Abschneiden oder kürzen. 2. Mit einer Klammer befestigen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Ritagliare / fissare
1. Tagliare o staccare. 2. Fissare con una clip.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Recortar / prender
1. Cortar ou recortar. 2. Prender com um clipe.
💡 Nuance: Cutting versus attaching. Both senses remain active and are easily distinguished by the object and the situation.
🌱 Seed
Meanings: 1. To plant seeds in the ground. 2. To take the seeds out of fruit.
Examples:
They seeded the field in early spring.
She seeded the cherries before adding them to the pie.
1. Plantar semillas en la tierra. 2. Quitar las semillas de la fruta.
🇫🇷 French: Ensemencer / épépiner
1. Semer des graines dans le sol. 2. Retirer les pépins d’un fruit.
🇩🇪 German: Säen / entkernen
1. Samen in den Boden bringen. 2. Die Kerne aus der Frucht nehmen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Seminare / snocciolare
1. Piantare semi nel terreno. 2. Togliere i semi dalla frutta.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Semear / descaroçar
1. Plantar sementes no chão. 2. Tirar as sementes da fruta.
💡 Nuance: Agricultural planting versus kitchen preparation. The direction of action (putting seeds in versus taking seeds out) is opposite.
Meanings: 1. To plant seeds in the ground. 2. To take the seeds out of fruit.
Examples:
They seeded the field in early spring.
She seeded the cherries before adding them to the pie.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Sembrar / deshuesar1. Plantar semillas en la tierra. 2. Quitar las semillas de la fruta.
🇫🇷 French: Ensemencer / épépiner
1. Semer des graines dans le sol. 2. Retirer les pépins d’un fruit.
🇩🇪 German: Säen / entkernen
1. Samen in den Boden bringen. 2. Die Kerne aus der Frucht nehmen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Seminare / snocciolare
1. Piantare semi nel terreno. 2. Togliere i semi dalla frutta.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Semear / descaroçar
1. Plantar sementes no chão. 2. Tirar as sementes da fruta.
💡 Nuance: Agricultural planting versus kitchen preparation. The direction of action (putting seeds in versus taking seeds out) is opposite.
🪨 Rock
Meanings: 1. To move gently back and forth. 2. To shake hard or violently.
Examples:
She rocked the baby until he fell asleep.
The explosion rocked the entire building.
1. Mover con suavidad de un lado a otro. 2. Sacudir con fuerza o violencia.
🇫🇷 French: Berceer / ébranler
1. Bouger doucement d’avant en arrière. 2. Secouer fort ou violemment.
🇩🇪 German: Wiegen / erschüttern
1. Sanft hin und her bewegen. 2. Hart oder heftig erschüttern.
🇮🇹 Italian: Dondolare / scuotere
1. Muovere dolcemente avanti e indietro. 2. Scuotere con forza o violenza.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Embalar / abalar
1. Mover suavemente para frente e para trás. 2. Sacudir com força ou violência.
💡 Nuance: Gentle rhythmic motion versus sudden forceful shaking. Tone and scale of the event make the difference obvious.
Meanings: 1. To move gently back and forth. 2. To shake hard or violently.
Examples:
She rocked the baby until he fell asleep.
The explosion rocked the entire building.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Mecer / sacudir1. Mover con suavidad de un lado a otro. 2. Sacudir con fuerza o violencia.
🇫🇷 French: Berceer / ébranler
1. Bouger doucement d’avant en arrière. 2. Secouer fort ou violemment.
🇩🇪 German: Wiegen / erschüttern
1. Sanft hin und her bewegen. 2. Hart oder heftig erschüttern.
🇮🇹 Italian: Dondolare / scuotere
1. Muovere dolcemente avanti e indietro. 2. Scuotere con forza o violenza.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Embalar / abalar
1. Mover suavemente para frente e para trás. 2. Sacudir com força ou violência.
💡 Nuance: Gentle rhythmic motion versus sudden forceful shaking. Tone and scale of the event make the difference obvious.
🏛️ Custom
Meanings: 1. A usual or traditional practice. 2. Something made specially to order.
Examples:
It is a local custom to leave shoes at the door.
They ordered a custom sofa to fit the exact dimensions of the room.
1. Una práctica habitual o tradicional. 2. Algo hecho especialmente por encargo.
🇫🇷 French: Coutume / sur mesure
1. Une pratique habituelle ou traditionnelle. 2. Quelque chose fait spécialement sur commande.
🇩🇪 German: Brauch / maßgefertigt
1. Eine übliche oder traditionelle Praxis. 2. Etwas eigens nach Auftrag Gefertigtes.
🇮🇹 Italian: Costume / su misura
1. Una pratica usuale o tradizionale. 2. Qualcosa fatto apposta su ordinazione.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Costume / sob medida
1. Uma prática usual ou tradicional. 2. Algo feito especialmente sob encomenda.
💡 Nuance: Social habit versus specially made product. “Custom-made” and “custom software” clearly signal the second sense.
Meanings: 1. A usual or traditional practice. 2. Something made specially to order.
Examples:
It is a local custom to leave shoes at the door.
They ordered a custom sofa to fit the exact dimensions of the room.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Costumbre / a medida1. Una práctica habitual o tradicional. 2. Algo hecho especialmente por encargo.
🇫🇷 French: Coutume / sur mesure
1. Une pratique habituelle ou traditionnelle. 2. Quelque chose fait spécialement sur commande.
🇩🇪 German: Brauch / maßgefertigt
1. Eine übliche oder traditionelle Praxis. 2. Etwas eigens nach Auftrag Gefertigtes.
🇮🇹 Italian: Costume / su misura
1. Una pratica usuale o tradizionale. 2. Qualcosa fatto apposta su ordinazione.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Costume / sob medida
1. Uma prática usual ou tradicional. 2. Algo feito especialmente sob encomenda.
💡 Nuance: Social habit versus specially made product. “Custom-made” and “custom software” clearly signal the second sense.
👁️ Overlook
Meanings: 1. To fail to notice. 2. To look down on from above; also to supervise.
Examples:
I overlooked a crucial detail in the contract.
The balcony overlooks the entire valley.
1. No notar. 2. Mirar desde arriba; también supervisar.
🇫🇷 French: Omettre / surplomber
1. Ne pas remarquer. 2. Donner sur / regarder d’en haut ; aussi superviser.
🇩🇪 German: Übersehen / überblicken
1. Nicht bemerken. 2. Von oben herabschauen; auch beaufsichtigen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Trascurare / dominare
1. Non accorgersi. 2. Guardare dall’alto; anche supervisionare.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Passar por cima / olhar de cima
1. Deixar de notar. 2. Olhar de cima; também supervisionar.
💡 Nuance: “Overlook a mistake” means miss it. “Overlook a view” means have a commanding view of it. Supervision (“oversee”) is related but usually uses a different verb.
Meanings: 1. To fail to notice. 2. To look down on from above; also to supervise.
Examples:
I overlooked a crucial detail in the contract.
The balcony overlooks the entire valley.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Pasar por alto / dominar1. No notar. 2. Mirar desde arriba; también supervisar.
🇫🇷 French: Omettre / surplomber
1. Ne pas remarquer. 2. Donner sur / regarder d’en haut ; aussi superviser.
🇩🇪 German: Übersehen / überblicken
1. Nicht bemerken. 2. Von oben herabschauen; auch beaufsichtigen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Trascurare / dominare
1. Non accorgersi. 2. Guardare dall’alto; anche supervisionare.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Passar por cima / olhar de cima
1. Deixar de notar. 2. Olhar de cima; também supervisionar.
💡 Nuance: “Overlook a mistake” means miss it. “Overlook a view” means have a commanding view of it. Supervision (“oversee”) is related but usually uses a different verb.
📦 Bound
Meanings: 1. Going toward a destination. 2. Tied up or restricted.
Examples:
The train is bound for Chicago.
He was bound by the terms of the contract.
1. Que va hacia un destino. 2. Atado o restringido.
🇫🇷 French: En route vers / lié
1. Qui se dirige vers une destination. 2. Lié ou restreint.
🇩🇪 German: Unterwegs nach / gebunden
1. Unterwegs zu einem Ziel. 2. Gebunden oder eingeschränkt.
🇮🇹 Italian: Diretto a / vincolato
1. Diretto verso una destinazione. 2. Legato o limitato.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: A caminho de / preso
1. Indo rumo a um destino. 2. Amarrado ou restringido.
💡 Nuance: “Bound for” almost always means heading toward a place. “Bound by” means limited or obligated.
Meanings: 1. Going toward a destination. 2. Tied up or restricted.
Examples:
The train is bound for Chicago.
He was bound by the terms of the contract.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Destinado / atado1. Que va hacia un destino. 2. Atado o restringido.
🇫🇷 French: En route vers / lié
1. Qui se dirige vers une destination. 2. Lié ou restreint.
🇩🇪 German: Unterwegs nach / gebunden
1. Unterwegs zu einem Ziel. 2. Gebunden oder eingeschränkt.
🇮🇹 Italian: Diretto a / vincolato
1. Diretto verso una destinazione. 2. Legato o limitato.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: A caminho de / preso
1. Indo rumo a um destino. 2. Amarrado ou restringido.
💡 Nuance: “Bound for” almost always means heading toward a place. “Bound by” means limited or obligated.
✊ Strike
Meanings: 1. To hit something. 2. To refuse to work as a form of protest.
Examples:
The hammer struck the nail cleanly.
The workers decided to strike for better pay.
1. Pegar a algo. 2. Negarse a trabajar como protesta.
🇫🇷 French: Frapper / faire grève
1. Frapper quelque chose. 2. Refuser de travailler en signe de protestation.
🇩🇪 German: Schlagen / streiken
1. Etwas treffen. 2. Als Protest die Arbeit verweigern.
🇮🇹 Italian: Colpire / scioperare
1. Colpire qualcosa. 2. Rifiutarsi di lavorare come protesta.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Bater / entrar em greve
1. Bater em algo. 2. Recusar-se a trabalhar como protesto.
💡 Nuance: Physical impact versus organized refusal to work. The second sense is common in news and labour discussions.
Meanings: 1. To hit something. 2. To refuse to work as a form of protest.
Examples:
The hammer struck the nail cleanly.
The workers decided to strike for better pay.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Golpear / hacer huelga1. Pegar a algo. 2. Negarse a trabajar como protesta.
🇫🇷 French: Frapper / faire grève
1. Frapper quelque chose. 2. Refuser de travailler en signe de protestation.
🇩🇪 German: Schlagen / streiken
1. Etwas treffen. 2. Als Protest die Arbeit verweigern.
🇮🇹 Italian: Colpire / scioperare
1. Colpire qualcosa. 2. Rifiutarsi di lavorare come protesta.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Bater / entrar em greve
1. Bater em algo. 2. Recusar-se a trabalhar como protesto.
💡 Nuance: Physical impact versus organized refusal to work. The second sense is common in news and labour discussions.
🪟 Transparent
Meanings: 1. See-through; allowing light to pass. 2. Obvious or easy to understand; also open and honest.
Examples:
The glass was completely transparent.
The company’s process was not transparent enough for investors.
1. Que se ve a través; deja pasar la luz. 2. Obvio o fácil de entender; también abierto y honesto.
🇫🇷 French: Transparent
1. Qui laisse passer la lumière. 2. Évident ou facile à comprendre ; aussi ouvert et honnête.
🇩🇪 German: Durchsichtig / transparent
1. Durchsichtig; lässt Licht durch. 2. Offensichtlich oder leicht verständlich; auch offen und ehrlich.
🇮🇹 Italian: Trasparente
1. Che si vede attraverso; lascia passare la luce. 2. Ovvio o facile da capire; anche aperto e onesto.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Transparente
1. Que se vê através; deixa a luz passar. 2. Óbvio ou fácil de entender; também aberto e honesto.
💡 Nuance: The physical sense is literal. The figurative sense (clear, open, or obvious) is now very common in business and politics.
Meanings: 1. See-through; allowing light to pass. 2. Obvious or easy to understand; also open and honest.
Examples:
The glass was completely transparent.
The company’s process was not transparent enough for investors.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Transparente1. Que se ve a través; deja pasar la luz. 2. Obvio o fácil de entender; también abierto y honesto.
🇫🇷 French: Transparent
1. Qui laisse passer la lumière. 2. Évident ou facile à comprendre ; aussi ouvert et honnête.
🇩🇪 German: Durchsichtig / transparent
1. Durchsichtig; lässt Licht durch. 2. Offensichtlich oder leicht verständlich; auch offen und ehrlich.
🇮🇹 Italian: Trasparente
1. Che si vede attraverso; lascia passare la luce. 2. Ovvio o facile da capire; anche aperto e onesto.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Transparente
1. Que se vê através; deixa a luz passar. 2. Óbvio ou fácil de entender; também aberto e honesto.
💡 Nuance: The physical sense is literal. The figurative sense (clear, open, or obvious) is now very common in business and politics.
🧳 Trip
Meanings: 1. A journey. 2. To stumble or catch the foot and almost fall.
Examples:
They took a short trip to the coast.
Be careful not to trip on the uneven pavement.
1. Un viaje. 2. Tropezar o enganchar el pie y casi caer.
🇫🇷 French: Voyage / trébucher
1. Un voyage. 2. Trébucher ou accrocher le pied et presque tomber.
🇩🇪 German: Reise / stolpern
1. Eine Reise. 2. Stolpern oder mit dem Fuß hängen bleiben und fast fallen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Viaggio / inciampare
1. Un viaggio. 2. Inciampare o prendere il piede e quasi cadere.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Viagem / tropeçar
1. Uma viagem. 2. Tropeçar ou prender o pé e quase cair.
💡 Nuance: One sense is a planned journey; the other is an accidental loss of balance.
Meanings: 1. A journey. 2. To stumble or catch the foot and almost fall.
Examples:
They took a short trip to the coast.
Be careful not to trip on the uneven pavement.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Viaje / tropezar1. Un viaje. 2. Tropezar o enganchar el pie y casi caer.
🇫🇷 French: Voyage / trébucher
1. Un voyage. 2. Trébucher ou accrocher le pied et presque tomber.
🇩🇪 German: Reise / stolpern
1. Eine Reise. 2. Stolpern oder mit dem Fuß hängen bleiben und fast fallen.
🇮🇹 Italian: Viaggio / inciampare
1. Un viaggio. 2. Inciampare o prendere il piede e quasi cadere.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Viagem / tropeçar
1. Uma viagem. 2. Tropeçar ou prender o pé e quase cair.
💡 Nuance: One sense is a planned journey; the other is an accidental loss of balance.
✍️ Resign
Meanings: 1. To give up a job or position. 2. To sign again (less common today).
Examples:
She decided to resign from the committee.
Please resign the form and return it by Friday.
1. Dejar un trabajo o un cargo. 2. Volver a firmar (hoy menos habitual).
🇫🇷 French: Démissionner / signer à nouveau
1. Quitter un emploi ou un poste. 2. Signer à nouveau (moins courant aujourd’hui).
🇩🇪 German: Kündigen / erneut unterschreiben
1. Ein Amt oder eine Stelle aufgeben. 2. Erneut unterschreiben (heute seltener).
🇮🇹 Italian: Dimettersi / firmare di nuovo
1. Lasciare un lavoro o una carica. 2. Firmare di nuovo (oggi meno comune).
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Renunciar / assinar de novo
1. Deixar um emprego ou cargo. 2. Assinar novamente (hoje menos comum).
💡 Nuance: The “give up a job” sense is by far the more common modern meaning. The “sign again” sense is mainly found in formal or legal contexts.
Meanings: 1. To give up a job or position. 2. To sign again (less common today).
Examples:
She decided to resign from the committee.
Please resign the form and return it by Friday.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Renunciar / firmar de nuevo1. Dejar un trabajo o un cargo. 2. Volver a firmar (hoy menos habitual).
🇫🇷 French: Démissionner / signer à nouveau
1. Quitter un emploi ou un poste. 2. Signer à nouveau (moins courant aujourd’hui).
🇩🇪 German: Kündigen / erneut unterschreiben
1. Ein Amt oder eine Stelle aufgeben. 2. Erneut unterschreiben (heute seltener).
🇮🇹 Italian: Dimettersi / firmare di nuovo
1. Lasciare un lavoro o una carica. 2. Firmare di nuovo (oggi meno comune).
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Renunciar / assinar de novo
1. Deixar um emprego ou cargo. 2. Assinar novamente (hoje menos comum).
💡 Nuance: The “give up a job” sense is by far the more common modern meaning. The “sign again” sense is mainly found in formal or legal contexts.
🏆 Final Practice
English in the Real World:
Read the sentence. Choose the meaning that fits this context.
Read the sentence. Choose the meaning that fits this context.
Question 1 of 8
✅ Correct: 0
❓ Questions: 0
🎯 Accuracy: 0%