Lesson 5: Recognizing 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 meanings for a single word or phrase.
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Context
The situation or words that are around a word and help to show its meaning.
What is Polysemy?
Polysemy is when a single word has two or more related meanings. Unlike homographs, these meanings often share a logical connection. The correct meaning is always decided by the context of the sentence.
Common Polysemous Words
| Word | Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | Meaning 3 (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| run | To move fast with your legs. "He can run very quickly." |
To operate or manage. "She wants to run her own business." |
A liquid flowing. "Please don't leave the water running." |
| light | Not heavy. "This bag is very light." |
Illumination; not dark. "Turn on the light, please." |
Pale in color. "She is wearing a light blue shirt." |
| bank | A financial institution. "I need to go to the bank." |
The side of a river. "We had a picnic on the river bank." |
|
| right | Correct; opposite of wrong. "Your answer is right." |
A direction; opposite of left. "Turn right at the corner." |
A moral or legal entitlement. "Everyone has the right to education." |
Usage Note: Context is Your Only Guide
How do you know which meaning of a word a speaker is using? You must use the context clues in the sentence.
- If you hear, "I need to go for a run," the context of exercise tells you it means moving fast.
- If you hear, "The factory can run 24 hours a day," the context of the factory tells you it means 'to operate'.
Strategy: When a sentence doesn't make sense, ask yourself: "Could this word have another meaning?" This is a key B2 'repair' strategy.
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
- The concept of one word having multiple related meanings is called ______.
- a) polysemy
- b) antonym
- c) homophone
Answer: a) polysemy
Your Mission
- My Sentences: The word 'bank' has at least two meanings. Write one sentence for each meaning.
- Find Your Own: The word 'key' has multiple meanings. Use an online learner's dictionary to find two different meanings and write a sentence for each.
- Speak: Your mission is to use the word 'right' in a conversation twice, showing two different meanings. (e.g., "Turn right... yes, that's the right way.")