Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms & Word Relationships (C1) - Lesson 4: Unpacking Polysemy: Words with Multiple Layers of Meaning

Lesson 4: Unpacking Polysemy When One Word Wears Many Hats You've learned about homographs—different words spelled the same. But what about when it's the same word with multiple, related meanings? This is called polysemy (poly- means 'many', -semy means 'meaning'). It's like one person with many different jobs. Understanding that a single word can 'wear many hats' is a crucial skill for B2 reading and listening comprehension. Key Vocabulary Polysemy (noun) | ពហុន័យ The existence of several related meanings for a single word or phrase. Sense (of a word) (noun) | ន័យ One of the different meanings of a single word. Core Meaning (noun phrase) | ន័យស្នូល The central, most basic idea from which the different senses of a polysemous word have developed. Common Polysemous Words Let's deconstruct some common words to see how their different senses relate to a core idea. 1. Word: run Core Meaning: To move or operate continuously. Sense (Movement): To move with your legs at…