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
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Polysemy
The existence of several related meanings for a single word or phrase.
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Sense (of a word)
One of the different meanings of a single word.
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Core Meaning
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 a fast pace. (Ex: "I run along the Kampot riverside every morning.")
- Sense (Mechanical): For a machine or engine to operate. (Ex: "You should leave the car's engine running for a few minutes.")
- Sense (Business): To manage or be in charge of. (Ex: "She successfully runs two restaurants in town.")
- Sense (Liquid): For a liquid to flow. (Ex: "The water was left running and flooded the bathroom.")
- Sense (Computing): For a software program to execute. (Ex: "You need to run the installation file.")
Analysis: All these senses involve a process of continuous action, movement, or operation.
2. Word: head
Core Meaning: The top, foremost, or leading part of something.
- Sense (Anatomy): The top part of the human body. (Ex: "He nodded his head.")
- Sense (Leader): The person in charge. (Ex: "She is the head of the marketing department.")
- Sense (Direction): To move in a particular direction. (Ex: "Let's head back before it gets dark.")
- Sense (Top): The top or front of an object or list. (Ex: "Write your name at the head of the page.")
Analysis: All these senses relate to the idea of being at the top, in the front, or in a leading position.
In Conversation
Bora and Srey are planning their afternoon.
Bora: I'm going to run down to the river bank for a walk.
Srey: Okay. Don't be too long. We need to go to the bank later to take out money.
Bora: I won't be long. I just want to read my book by the water.
Srey: Did you remember to book our tickets for the show tonight?
Bora: Yes, I did. I hope I chose the right seats, on the left side of the cinema.
Srey: I'm sure it's fine. It's your right to choose where we sit!
Check Your Understanding
- In the sentence, "The company is not easy to run," what does 'run' mean?
- a) To move fast
- b) To manage or operate
- c) To be a liquid
Answer: b) To manage or operate
- In the sentence, "I prefer light colors," what does 'light' mean?
- a) Not heavy
- b) Not dark (illumination)
- c) Pale in color
Answer: c) Pale in color
- Polysemy is when one word has multiple, RELATED meanings. Homonymy is when two words sound the same but have UNRELATED meanings. Which of these pairs is an example of HOMONYMY?
- a) The `head` of a person / The `head` of a company.
- b) To `run` a race / To `run` a business.
- c) The `bank` of a river / A `bank` for money.
Answer: c) The `bank` of a river / A `bank` for money. (These meanings have different, unrelated origins).
Your Mission
- Unpack a Word: The word `arm` has a core meaning related to a limb. Use a monolingual dictionary to find at least two other related meanings (senses) for `arm`. Write down each sense with an example sentence.
- Context is Key: Write two of your own sentences using the word `book`. In the first, use it as a noun. In the second, use it as a verb. (e.g., to book a table at a restaurant).
- Polysemy in the Wild: Read one page of an English book or news article. Find one common word that is used in a slightly different sense from its most literal meaning. Write down the sentence and explain the sense of the word in that context.