Friday, July 15, 2016

Sound and Sense, 41



We’re moving next to the homophone: a word pronounced the same as another but differing in meaning, whether spelled the same way or not, as heir and air. So … contronyms are words that have contradictory meanings (sanctiion = approve and disapprove; homophones sound alike but to not mean the same—and often are not spelled the same, either.


adventuress (noun): a female adventurer, esp. one who seeks position or livelihood by questionable means
adventurous (adjective): not afraid to do new and dangerous or exciting things

Adventuress? So I was warned,
But at the time, well, I was horned

(If you know what I mean), and so
Adventurous, I came to know,

Was not the best of strategies.
Deceptions brought me to my knees,

And soon I’d lost most everything—
My house and car and all my bling.

So now I live beneath a bridge—
And feel resentment (just a smidge)

For what that woman did to me.
Oh well. At least I now am free ...

From money, job, and housing, too,
But I can always bum from you …


Right?

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