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 polysemy1 (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.
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 context2 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!
quiz Check Your Understanding
1. 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
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) To manage or operate
2. In the sentence, "I prefer light colors," what does 'light' mean?
- a) Not heavy
- b) Not dark (illumination)
- c) Pale in color
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) Pale in color
3. The concept of one word having multiple related meanings is called ______.
- a) polysemy
- b) antonym
- c) homophone
Click to see the answer
Answer: a) polysemy
edit 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.")