Did you know that peruse is its own opposite?

In the late 1400s, the word peruse was created to mean “to go through something with extreme detail or careful scrutiny.” It comes from per- (completely) combined with use.

By the 1530s, it was applied specifically to “read thoroughly.”

But somewhere in the mists of time, things changed. By the 19th century, peruse instead came to mean “browse” or “read casually.”

Why? Etymologists don’t have a lot to say on the matter. They simply classify it as a “contronym”–a word that has two opposite meanings. I always love finding these–how about you?

Word Nerds Merch!