Many English words have multiple meanings. This means that the same word, with the same spelling and pronunciation may have more than one meaning. Sometimes the meanings may be very different. This can be confusing for people learning English. You may wonder,” How do I know what the meaning is?” The best way is rely on context, illustrations, or diagrams in the text. However, if you still are not sure of the meaning, look it up. A dictionary will tell you all the meanings of any word. This posting cannot discuss every word with multiple meanings. There are simply too many of them. In this posting, however, I talk about 25 common words with multiple meanings. These are word you may see and hear in your daily life. I show you parts of speech, definitions, and example sentences for each meaning of each word.The download at the end will give you additional practice understanding words with multiple meanings.
Here is the free English video lesson I taught on YouTube:
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Below is a list of common words with multiple meanings.
B
- bank
2. bark
3. bill
4. break
5. bug
C
6. charge
7. company
8. current
D-H
9. date
10. fair
11. fast
12. fly
13. hit
J-N
14. jam
15. left
16. mine
17. nail
P-R
18. patient
19. pool
20. pupil
21. run
S-T
22. season
23. set
24. take
25. turn
You now know many common English words with multiple meanings. Often you can guess the meaning of the word through context. If that is not helpful, however, don’t hesitate to look the word up. The download will give you additional practice understanding words with multiple meanings.
You can download the practice sheet NOW!
Idioms of the day
- no picnic–This means something is difficult and not pleasant. I’m glad I moved, but making all the preparations was no picnic.
- turn a blind eye to–This means to not notice a very obvious problem. Her husband comes home drunk every night, but she turns a blind eye to his problems. She insists that he’s not an alcoholic.
By
Last updated:
January 31, 2022
Once upon a time, there was a fair boy at the fair, and he was really fair!
There was also a bat flying around a bat, a friend of mine in a mine and a man with a bow bowing to an audience.
Welcome to the Polysemy (when a single word or phrase has multiple meanings) Fair where nothing is what it seems, and words get crazy different meanings just for the sake of fun.
But before you come in, you have to tell me what homophones, homographs and homonyms are.
If you do not know what they are (or even if you do!), you had better read this post before you enter the Fair unprepared and get lost forever!
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
What Are Homophones, Homographs and Homonyms?
They may sound dangerous and creepy, but homophones, homographs and homonyms are part of our daily life, regardless of what your mother language is.
Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings.
When you say “I have only one eye,” however weird that sentence might sound, the words I and eye sound exactly the same, but they obviously have different meanings.
The same happens with words such as break and brake, here and hear or hour and our, just to give you a few examples.
On the other hand, homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different pronunciations.
Take the verb read as an example.
The infinitive is pronounced /ri:d/ (with a long i), but the past tense and the past participle are pronounced /red/, as in the color red. They are written in the exact same way, but their pronunciations are different.
Finally, we have homonyms. They are words that either sound or are spelled identically but have different meanings.
Homonyms can be homophones, homographs or both, so to make things easy for you, we will be calling this post’s words homonyms unless stated otherwise.
Every language has homonyms, and language learners tend to have a rough time when trying to learn them.
Let’s have a look at the title of this post: The fair boy at the fair is really fair.
If it is the first time you have seen the word fair, you are probably having a language heart attack right now.
If you have seen this word before, though, you most likely know its meaning as a noun (funfair, carnival). But what about the other two? Keep reading!
There are several methods to learn the different meanings of words. You can look them up (search) in a dictionary, check an online translator or even ask a friend if they are around and able to help you.
From Fairs to Novels: 21 Everyday English Words with Multiple Meanings
The following 21 words are common English words that have different meanings and/or pronunciations. They can be a little tricky sometimes, but thanks to this post, you will be able to master them in no time. So, let the fun begin!
1. Fair
As you have already seen in the introduction, this word can have different meanings depending on whether it is a noun or an adjective. You know its meaning as a noun, and you probably also know one of its meanings as an adjective, but I am sure you would have never thought a carnival and a hair/skin color were spelled the same in English.
Meaning #1: a carnival; a public event where there are games, competitions, rides and entertainment
Also, in the United States, a fair is an event where farm products and animals are shown and judged.
The boy showed his horse and his two pigs at the state fair.
Meaning #2: treating someone right or in a way that does not favor other people
The boy at the fair is very fair with his siblings when they play games together.
Meaning #3: having light skin and/or hair
The fair boy at the fair is very fair with his siblings.
Since her skin is so fair, she has to be careful when she goes in the sun.
2. Saw
You probably know this word as the past tense of the verb to see, but did you know it can also be a tool and the infinitive of another verb?
Saw comes from the Old English word saga (to cut), but also from the Middle English word sawen (knife), hence its different meanings nowadays.
Meaning #1: a device or tool with sharp teeth, typically made of metal
He used a saw to cut the branch of the tree.
Meaning #2: to saw, to cut with a saw
He is going to saw the tree down with a saw.
Meaning #3: past tense of the verb to see.
I saw the saw he used to saw the tree down.
3. Fell
Now this one’s tricky.
A lot of my beginner students think this is the past tense of to feel, but actually it is the past tense of the verb to fall. What not many non-native speakers know is that it can also be the infinitive form of a different verb, and also a formal adjective!
Meaning 1: past tense of the verb to fall
The girl fell on the floor and started crying.
Meaning #2: to fell, to knock or cut down, to cause to fall
He used an ax to fell the tree.
Meaning #3: (formal) fierce, cruel, savage
He was imprisoned by his fell enemy.
4. Found
This word is another example of the past tense of a verb that is also the infinitive of a different verb.
Meaning #1: past tense and past participle of the verb to find (to come upon by chance, to locate)
I found a lot of old books in the attic yesterday.
Meaning #2: to found, to set up or establish, to base on, to provide a basis for
We want to found a new translation company.
5. Bow
Bow is a word that can have several different meanings. It is a homograph because the pronunciation is slightly different between the noun and verb form. As a noun, for example, you can wear one around your neck or use one to attack someone. As a verb, you can use it to show respect.
Don’t you love English!
Meaning #1: to bow, to bend forward at the neck or waist in order to greet someone or show respect
We must all bow before the queen.
Meaning #2: a knot made by tying a ribbon into two or more loops, often referred to as bow tie
He is wearing a green bow tie.
Meaning #3: a weapon used for shooting arrows
The hunter had a bow and many arrows.
6. Crane
I still remember when I learned this word myself. I imagined a giant machine that transformed into a bird. I have never forgotten this word!
Meaning #1: a big machine with a long arm used by builders to lift or move big objects
I think we are going to need a crane to lift that statue.
Meaning #2: a tall bird that has a long neck and long legs; it lives near water
It is impossible to observe (see) a crane here. There is no water around.
7. Date
This is an easy one.
If you are a romantic person, this word will probably make you think of special occasions with a partner. If time is important for you, you will see a date as a day on a calendar. Both options are correct, but there is more!
Meaning #1: a specific day of a month or year
What is the date today?
Meaning #2: a situation where two people who have or want to have a romantic relationship do some activity together
I would love to go on a date with you.
Meaning #3: the person you go on a date with
Mary is my date for tonight.
Meaning #4: to date someone, to do some kind of activity with a person you have or want to have a romantic relationship with.
Mary and I are dating.
Meaning #5: to date something, to write the date on something
Please, do not forget to sign and date your exam.
8. Minute
Here we have a homograph. Minute is pronounced /minit/ when it refers to time. It can also refer to size, in which case it is pronounced /mai’niut/.
Meaning #1: a unit of time equal to 60 seconds
We have been waiting for 20 minutes.
Meaning #2: always in the plural (minutes), the official record of everything that is said and done during a meeting
Ms. Roche will be taking the minutes during the meeting.
Meaning #3: an adjective meaning tiny, very small
With this new device, we are able to see even the most minute particles.
9. Second
If you are interested in etymology (study of words), you will like this word!
Second has two main meanings, one referring to time and one referring to something or someone coming after first. I was surprised to find out both these meanings come from the same Latin word secundus (following, next in time or order).
Apart from being a noun, second can also be a verb.
In this case, the origin of the word is from the Latin word secundare (to assist, to make favorable).
Meaning #1: occupies the second position in a series, importance or rank
Soup is my second choice.
Meaning #2: (always plural) another serving of food taken after you have finished the first one
Do you want seconds?
Meaning #3: a unit of time equal to 1/60 of a minute
It took him 35 seconds to open the box.
Meaning #4: to second, to approve something, to agree with somebody
I am tired. Let’s go home.
I will second that.
10. Type
They say that everyone has a type, but what exactly does that mean?
You can type in different kinds of types, enjoy different types of food and have different types in reference to people. It all depends on the meaning of type you are referring to.
Meaning #1: a particular kind of thing or person
I do not like this type of food. It is too greasy.
Meaning #2: the kind of person someone likes
Bea is totally my type.
Meaning #3: the different kinds of printed letters
Please, do not use the italic type. Use bold.
Meaning #4: to type, to write with a typewriter or a computer keyboard
I can type 200 words per minute.
11. Nail
Every time I hear the word nail, I think about the program “Nailed it!,” which I really recommend you watch if you love cooking and comedy, and you want to listen to some American English to improve your language skills.
Meaning #1: a piece of metal that is sharp at one end and flat at the other, usually used to attach things to wood
I used the biggest nail I had to hang the picture frame.
Meaning #2: the hard covering at the end of our fingers and toes
Sarah gets her nails painted every Tuesday.
Meaning #3: to nail, to attach something with a nail
We need to nail those boards.
Meaning #4: (slang) to nail, to do something perfectly or in an impressive way
I nailed the final test. I am so proud of myself!
12. Bark
What do dogs and trees have in common? Dogs bark and trees have bark!
I find it very interesting that a tree’s bark and to bark come from different origin words.
The hard covering of plants probably comes from the Old Norse word börkr (bark, likely related to the word birch). The sound dogs make comes from the Old English word beorcan (to bark, to utter an abrupt, explosive cry).
Meaning #1: the outer covering of a tree
Some types of bark are very beautiful.
Meaning #2: the loud sound made by a dog
His dog gave a very loud bark.
Meaning #3: to bark (from a dog or a person), to make a short loud sound
If her dog does not stop barking, I will call the police.
Stop barking at me and try to calm down.
13. Mine
If I tell you I like to mine in this mine because it is mine, you may or may not understand what I am saying, but you will after you have a look at the following meanings of the word mine.
Meaning #1: that which belongs to me
I like to mine in this mine because it is mine.
The blue bike is mine.
Meaning #2: a tunnel from which minerals are taken
I like to mine in this mine because it is mine.
He works in a gold mine.
Meaning #3: to mine, to dig a mine or to take away from a mine
I like to mine in this mine because it is mine.
She likes to mine for crystals.
14. Season
Even though the two main meanings of the word season do not seem to be related, they have an almost common ancestor, and once you understand its origin, it totally makes sense.
Season comes from the Old French word seison (a period of the year, proper time).
To season comes from the Old French word assaisoner (to ripen, to improve the flavor of).
These two Old French words are related. When the time was right (seison), fruits and vegetables grew ripe (assaisoner), which made them more palatable (tasty). Neat!
Meaning #1: one of the four periods into which the year is divided; a particular period of time during the year.
My favorite season is winter.
It is flu season.
Meaning #2: to season, to add salt, pepper or other spices to give something more flavor
Season to taste and serve hot.
15. Bat
Did you know that Batman got his name from an animal? Have you ever seen Batman use a bat to bat someone? No, not the animal, the stick!
Notice how, similarly to nail with a nail, you can say to bat with a bat. Do you see a pattern already?
Meaning #1: a long rounded stick used to hit a ball
Mendoza gave me his baseball bat.
Meaning #2: to hit with a bat
I want to bat next.
Meaning #3: an animal with wings and a furry body
I am afraid of bats.
16. Row
The main meaning of this word is a line of people or things that are next to each other.
Additionally, row can also be a verb that means to move a boat through the water with the use of oars.
Meaning #1: a straight line of people or things that are next to each other; a row of seats (in a theater or stadium).
We are going to arrange the desks in five rows of six desks each.
Meaning #2: to row, to move a boat through water by using oars
I like to row my boat in the calm lake.
17. Water
I love looking at my students’ faces when I tell them that water can be a verb.
Indeed, as it happens with many words in English, nouns can be used as verbs. In this case, the noun water, which we all know, can be used to mean to pour water on something, as on a plant, for example.
Meaning #1: a clear liquid with no color, smell or taste that falls from clouds in the form of rain, forms seas and lakes and is used for drinking, bathing, washing, etc.
I love drinking water in the morning.
Meaning #2: to water, to pour water on something; to give an animal water to drink
Please, water my plants while I am in Spain.
18. Boot
Some of us know the verb to boot means to start a computer.
British people call the trunk of a car a boot, and Americans often use this word when talking about cowboy boots.
But there is more you can learn about this word.
Meaning #1: a covering for the foot normally made of leather or rubber
I cannot find my winter boots anywhere.
Meaning #2: the trunk of a car
They found the missing money in the boot of his car.
Meaning #3: to boot, to force to leave a place; to fire
They booted James yesterday!
Meaning #4: to boot, to lock a Denver boot onto the wheel of a car so that it cannot move.
The parking attendant booted my car.
19. Club
Club has several meanings, ranging from a group of people who participate in a specific activity to a place where you can listen to music, eat some food and drink alcohol.
Other meanings include a metal stick used in golf, a wooden stick used as a weapon and even a suit in a deck of cards! That is polysemy at its finest!
Meaning #1: a group of people who meet to participate in an activity
The chess club has 200 members already.
Meaning #2: the place where members of a club meet
I will meet you in front of the chess club at 7 p.m.
Meaning #3: a business that provides entertainment, music, food, drinks, etc.
They are opening a new dance club near your house next weekend.
Meaning #4: a metal stick used for hitting a golf ball
My daughter is using my golf clubs. Can I borrow yours?
Meaning #5: a heavy wooden stick that is used as a weapon
One of the attackers hit me with a club.
Meaning #6: (plural) one of the suits in a deck of playing cards
I got the ten of clubs.
Meaning #7: to club, to hit a person or an animal with a stick or object
He clubbed the poisonous snake in his bedroom.
20. Key
What if I told you that the main definition of the word key is just one of over a dozen?
Do not panic, I will not make you learn all the different meanings of key, but it would be awesome if you learned the main ones.
Meaning #1: a device you use to open a lock or start a car
I think I have lost my keys.
Meaning #2: something that is necessary to do or achieve something
The key to learning English is practicing every day.
Meaning #3: any of the buttons of a typewriter or computer
I love typing without looking at the keys.
Meaning #4: used as an adjective to mean extremely important
He is a key worker in our company.
Meaning #5: (informal) to key, to have the most important part in something
Marcus keyed the victory for the Eagles.
21. Novel
We normally think of books when we hear the word novel, but novel can also be used as an adjective to mean that something is new and different.
Meaning #1: a long written story, normally dealing with imaginary people and events
I have published five novels so far.
Meaning #2: new and different from what has been known before
His novel approach to the problem helped us find a solution.
Phew! There you have it, 21 everyday English words with multiple meanings!
My advice is that you learn all the different meanings of a word at once when you are acquiring (learning) new vocabulary (or expanding your word bank).
If a word is very polysemic, at least learn its main meanings. This will save you time when you come across that word again in the future.
As you have been able to see in this post, by learning just one of the meanings of a word you are leaving a lot of information behind. In order to avoid that, one of the best solutions is to spend a little more time with each word you learn.
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
José is in his third and final week with me on a home stay full immersion course and has come to the conclusion that the English Language is extremely confusing and frustrating! Especially when it comes to all those words that have multiple meanings. I have to confess that he has got a point.
Take the word “run” for example. It has 179 meanings according to Dictionary.com whilst the word “take” has 127 definitions! The following infographic that was compiled by Kaplan International together with Dictionary.com highlights the 10 English words with the most meanings in the English Language. You can view this infographic here on the Kaplan website.
Kaplan has taken each word and categorised them according to the different parts of speech, for example, verb, noun, adverb, adjective and so on as well as verb phrases and idioms. As this list is very long, I’ve decided to break this list in two parts.
Part 1 will deal with the first 5 words. I’ve shown some examples of the different verb and noun meanings and verb phrases for each word.
1. RUN
Verb
- My dog loves to run about in the park (move quickly with legs)
- She runs a very successful business (manages)
- The bus company runs a regular weekend service (offer a service)
- Don’t leave your car engine running/ try running the computer programme and see if it works (machine: working)
Noun
- I always go for a 10k run in the mornings.
- The play has had a successful run in the West End. (a period of time)
- I do the school run every morning and my husband does it in the afternoon (a journey that a train, ship, car and so on does regularly)
Verb Phrases
- Her withdrawal meant that her opponent was given a clear run for the nomination (you can progress without anyone stopping you)
- He gave Tom a good run for his money (competing so well with someone that they cannot defeat you)
- He is on the run from the law (trying to escape or hide from the police)
2. TAKE
Verb
- Don’t forget to take an extra pair of shoes (move something or someone from one place to another)
- Take a deep breath ◆ James took a sip of his drink ◆ I took a quick look at the audience (to perform an action or series of actions)
- I took a course in origami at college ◆ I’ve taken my driving test three times (to study or take an exam in a particular subject)
Verb Phrases
- I like chocolate but I can take it or leave it (to not care whether you have, see or do something – informal)
- It takes all sorts (used for saying that you find someone’s behaviour surprising or strange but will accept it – spoken)
- Take it from me, this restaurant is excellent. (used to emphasize that what you’re saying is true and people should believe it – spoken)
3. BREAK
Verb
- Be careful that you don’t break those glasses (separate into pieces by dropping)
- If you break the speed limit, the penalties are high ◆ break the law. (don’t obey rules or the law)
- When the news first broke, he was no where to be found ◆ breaking news ( if news breaks, it becomes publicly known)
- Why don’t we break now and meet again after lunch? (stop what you’re doing for a period of time)
Noun
- Doctors and nurses often work very long hours without a break ◆ Let’s take/have a break.
- This could be the lucky break he’s always wanted (an opportunity that helps you achieve success)
- She decided to make the break from marketing after eighteen years (a time of major change in one’s life).
Verb Phrases
- He’s been breaking his back getting the house ready in time for the baby’s arrival (working very hard)
- I think we’ve broken the back of this project now. (British English – to finish the hardest part of a task)
- In their first year, the company broke even. (when a company doesn’t make a profit or a loss)
- I want to break free (as sung by Freddy Mercury – to escape from someone or something that is holding you or controls you)
4. TURN
Verb
- She turned around and smiled at me (change position)
- When you get to the junction, turn right (change direction)
- She could not concentrate on her book. All she seemed to be doing was turning the pages without reading them.
- After years as an amateur dancer, she turned professional ( change and do something different)
- It has turned cold again ( change and become something else)
Noun
- Oh no, is it my turn again to wash the dishes?! ◆ Is it my turn to roll the dice? (in a group and it’s your time to do something)
- The debate over drugs in sport took an unexpected turn yesterday ◆ The situation took a turn for the better/worse (a change in a situation)
- He took the wrong turn and that took him miles away from his destination (change of direction)
Verb Phrases
- He was stopped at every turn by the rigid rules (wherever or whenever someone tries to do something)
- He did her a good turn by offering her the job (an action that helps someone – also applies in the opposite “a bad turn”)
- I hope I’m not speaking out of turn, but I preferred the original version (to say something that you shouldn’t say in case you offend someone or you have no right to say it)
- The mansion was built at the turn of the century ( the time at the end of one century and the beginning of the next)
5. SET
Verb
- “Tea is served,” he told them and set the tray on the table. (put something in a position)
- I’ve set the alarm for 6am ◆ You can set the iPhone so that it does an automatic backup (to make equipment ready)
- Have you set a date for the wedding? (to decide when something will happen)
- The Bank of England sets the interest rate ◆ They set the price of the house too high. (to decide the price or value of something)
- I have set the team three challenges/goals/objectives/tasks (to give someone something to achieve)
Noun
- a set of keys ◆ a set of guidelines ◆ a complete set ◆ a chess set ( a group of things)
- the literary set ◆ the jet set◆ a set of friends (a group of people that share the same interests)
- a film set ◆ a stage set (theatre, film – place where a film or play is made)
Verb Phrases
- The drivers’ demands were not met, setting the stage for a prolonged transport strike (create the conditions for something to happen)
- They are a company that has set the standard for excellence in service (perform an activity to a level that other people need to achieve)
- Dinner will be ready soon. Could you please set the table? (put cutlery and plates on the table)
- After lunch I set to work on the mountain of paperwork on my desk (start working in a determined and enthusiastic way)
The above examples are just a few that I have selected here. Please do share with me any other meanings you know and use.
I will deal with the other five words in my next post (Part 2) so look out for it!
If you liked this post, please share it and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog if you don’t want to miss out on my posts.
Ciao for now
Shanthi
Пришло время обратить внимание на некоторые простые общеизвестные слова, имеющие много разных значений. (О словах round и mean мы уже писали). Возьмем, к примеру, слово “run”, известное всем как «бежать, бегать» — у него около 179 значений, а у слова “take” — 127 значений! Мы решили рассмотреть некоторые самые необходимые значения таких слов, которые могут быть разными частями речи, например, одно и то же слово, не изменяя своей формы, может быть существительным, глаголом, прилагательным и наречием, а также принимать участие в идиомах и фразах.
1. RUN
В качестве глагола:
-
- My cat loves to run after rats (бегать) – моя кошка любит бегать за крысами
- My sister runs a law firm (руководить) – моя сестра руководит юридической фирмой
- Our company runs car-washing service (предлагать услуги) – наша компания предлагает услуги по мойке машин
- If you run this computer program you will protect your computer against viruses. (загрузить/установить программу) – если вы загрузите эту компьютерную программу вы защитите ваш компьютер против вирусов.
В качестве существительного
- We go for a run every morning. (пробежка) – мы ходим на пробежку каждое утро
- Our play will have a short run in this city. (период времени) – наша пьеса будет недолго идти в этом городе
- The bus makes a regular run to the country (маршрут) – автобус совершает регулярные рейсы в деревню
2. TAKE
В качестве глагола
-
- Take this cake for your sister (брать) – возьми это пирожное для своей сестры
- I took a deep breath / Children took a sip of their juice / she took a look at the people before her (выполнить какое-то действие) – я глубоко вздохнул / дети отхлебнули свой сок/ она посмотрела на людей перед собой.
- If you want to be successful you should take a course of study at college (учиться) — Если ты хочешь добиться успеха в жизни,тебе следует отучиться в колледже
Глагольные конструкции
- That’s my final offer. Take it or leave it. — Это мое последнее предложение. Или соглашайся, или гуд-бай. (отсутствие выбора)
- It takes all sorts (to make the world) — Всякие люди бывают / человек человеку рознь
- Take it from me, this story is interesting – можете мне поверить, эта история интересная (используется для усиления того, что мы говорим)
3. TURN
В качестве глагола
- The child turned around saw his mother (изменить положениее) – ребенок оглянулся и увидел свою мать
- Turn left than right (изменить направление) – поверните налево, затем направо
- Now turn the page and find exercise 5 (перевернуть страницу) – сейчас переверните страницу и найдите упражнение 5
- From a student she turned a teacher (стать другим) – из студентки она стала учителем
- As winter came it turned cold ( измениться — о погоде) – пришла зима и стало холодно
В качестве существительного
- It is your turn to speak (очередь) – ваша очередь говорить
- Our meeting took an unexpected turn (изменение ситуации) – наша встреча приняла неожиданный поворот
- Be careful when driving and take a right turn (изменение направления) – будьте осторожны при вождении и поверните в нужном месте
Глагольные конструкции
- She cuts costs at every turn – она постоянно экономит деньги
- I made him a good turn by inviting to participate in my project – я оказал ему хорошую услугу, пригласив принять участие в своем проекте.
- He made me a bad turn by introducing to that terrible person – он оказал мне плохую услугу, познакомив с этим ужасным человеком.
- Why does this woman always speak out of turn? – почему эта женщина всегда всех перебивает (говорит вне очереди)?
- We were happy to live at the turn of the century – нам посчастливилось жить на рубеже двух столетий
Таких слов с множеством значений в английском языке много. С некоторыми из них мы вас познакомим в одной из следующих статей. Следите за обновлениями!
