heterological

Definition

Of a word, not describing itself.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἕτερος (héteros, “different”) + λόγος (lógos, “word”), by surface analysis, heterology + -ical.

Example Sentences

• "The words ultrashort and onomatopoeia are heterological: ultrashort might be called short but is not an ultrashort word, and onomatopoeia is not an onomatopoeic word."
• "A paradox arises when we ask, "Is the word 'heterological' heterological." If it is, it is not. If it is not, it is."
• "A further instance of the uncertainty of Prof. Bergmann's views on the subject of negation, is the distinction (considered by him as at least supposable) between " nicht-richtig " and "unrichtig" (§21,5.). This is done, of course, in order to put a " heterological " meaning into his Axiom of Excluded Middle,"

Related Words