PRESENT MUMMY MIGHT FOX
HUMBLE GRAM BAG BOX CRANE COUNTER
PRESENT (Adj./N/V)
Meanings-
Known
| existing or happening now
| present situation
Hidden:
a thing that you give to somebody as a gift
MUMMY (N)
Meanings-
Known
| word for a mother
Hidden:
a dried and embalmed body (in ancient Egypt)
MIGHT (Modal V./N)
Meanings-
Known
| past tense of may (Modal V.)
Hidden:
energy, power, great strength
FOX (N/V)
Meanings-
Known
| a wild animal of the dog family
Hidden:
a very attractive woman
deceive somebody
HUMBLE (Adj./V)
Meaning-
Known
| modest, kind
| showing that you are not important as other people
Hidden
to easily defeat an opponent, especially a strong or powerful one
GRAM
Meanings-
Known
| a unit for measuring things
Hidden:
several beans used as a food for people and cattle
BAG (N/V)
Meanings-
Known
| a container made from cloth, plastic, leather, etc, used to carry things in
Hidden:
an ugly or ill-tempered woman
hunting of birds and animals
to claim something as yours before somebody else claims it
BOX (N/V)
Meanings-
Known
| a container for holding things
Hidden:
evergreen shrubs or small trees
CRANE (N/V)
Meanings-
Known
| a tall machine with a long arm
Hidden:
a large bird with long legs and a long neck
to lean or stretch over something in order to see something better
COUNTER (N/V/Adv.)
Meanings-
Known
| a long flat surface over which goods are sold or business is done in a shop
Hidden:
a small disc used for playing or scoring in some board games
to reply to somebody by trying to prove that what they said is not true
a machine for counting
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Polysemic words are words that are spelled exactly the same, but have different meanings.i.e. words with double meaning or double meaning. For example: leaf (can be leaf from trees or leaf from a notebook).
That is, its grammatical, syntagmatic and morphological structure is the same, but its meaning varies. In this article we will know 50 words with double meaning (or more senses), so that you are alert whenever someone uses them and you can sense their true meaning.
Let’s see 50 words with double meaning, and know their possible meanings. We must mention that some of them have even more meanings, but in this article we include the most used, common and frequent meanings in the Spanish language.
1. Leaf
A leaf can be a green leaf that grows on trees (the leaves of trees) or a notebook leaf (i.e., paper). It can also be a periodical (e.g. a parish blade), and the blade found in some tools and weapons.
2. Coffee
Coffee is the aromatic bean that allows us to drink cups of coffee, or it can be the brown color.
3. Letter
We have the letter that we send to our friends or family (a letter written on paper) or the letter that refers to the daily menu of a restaurant.
4. Merengue
Merengue is a dessert, which consists of a preparation based on sugar and egg white, and is also a type of dance.
5. Pen
The pen is a tool or article that is used to write with ink; it can also be the feather of birds (the horny formation that covers the body of birds), and it is even used to allude to a male who uses gestures or “effeminate” words.
6. Orange
Orange is a color and it is a fruit; in fact, the fruit is orange.
7. General
Something general is something that affects or concerns “everyone,” and it is also a military grade.
8. Tibia
The word tibia is used to allude to a medium temperature (of water, for example), that is, warm; which is neither cold nor hot. In turn, the tibia is also a bone located in the lower extremities (legs).
9. Saw
A saw is, in turn, a mountain range of mountains and a tool to cut wood or other materials.
10. Mouse
A mouse is a small animal (rodent) and a device that we connect to the computer to move the pointer.
11. Low
A bass is a musical instrument (stringed, similar to a guitar), is a person of low height and is an inferior position to others.
12. Yolk
The yolk is a part of the egg (the orange/yellowish one) and is the tip of the fingers.
13. Skirt
A skirt can be the bottom or bottom of a mountain, a type of cut in meats and a piece of clothing.
14. Peak
A beak is a short kiss on the lips; it is also a part of birds and other animals (their jaw) and a tool for digging into the ground.
15. Channel
A channel is the deepest part of a port entrance; it is also a television channel (frequency band in which one program or another is broadcast) and an artificial channel through which water circulates.
16. Plant
A plant is a living being, any type of plant or shrub; it is also the lower zone of the feet (the only zone of the body that is in contact with the ground) and each of the divisions of a building (from bottom to top or vice versa).
17. Taco
A taco is a Mexican food product, and is a footwear worn by soccer players.
18. Pending
An earring is a decoration that is placed on the ears, and is usually made of gold, silver, wood, metal … and is also a thing that must be done, which is “earring” to do.
19. Bank
A bench can be a seat to sit on (two or more people), and also a group of fish, as well as a place to keep and withdraw money. It also refers to the company that is in charge of carrying out financial operations.
20. Cat
A cat is a feline animal, and also a tool used to lift weight (and used mostly in cars).
21. White
White is a colour, and it is also said of the person who always receives something concrete from everyone, for example: “you are the white of all glances”, or “you are the white of all criticism”.
22. Capital
The capital refers to the main (and most important) population of a country, province, district, etc. It’s also an important amount of money.
23. Cure
The cure is the healing of a wound, or the remedy of some disease; it is also a figure/charge of the church (a priest who makes mass).
24. Apple
The apple is a fruit (fruit of the apple tree), is the pommel of the sword and is a square-shaped built space delimited by streets.
25. Witness
A witness is a person who has witnessed (seen, heard…) a crime, a hit and run, a criminal act, etc. It is also an object that is passed in relay races.
26. Temporary
Temporal is somewhat time-bound, transient, and also a big storm.
27. Monkey
A monkey is an animal; it is also a qualifier to allude to someone “nice” or “adorable”, and it is the unrestrained desire to do something (especially in addictions; for example having a smoking monkey).
28. Libra
A pound is a type of currency (monetary unit) used in some countries, and is also a zodiac sign.
29. Don
A gift is a special talent, and is a word that is used before the name to name important or recognized persons (e.g. Don Patricio).
30. Bar
The bar (elongated furniture where to place the glasses and plates) and the bread bar (elongated bread). We also found a lot of “bar” (a lot of snout).
31. Front
The front of something (e.g., step forward) and an area of the body above the eyes.
32. Entrance
The front part of a building, park, etc., through which it is accessed. It is also the area of the head where hair begins to grow (“you have tickets”) and a ticket that serves to access a show, monument, etc..
33. Doll
A part of the body (that which precedes the hand) and a toy (that simulates a real girl).
34. Handle
Elongated part of an object or a piece and tropical fruit.
35. Needle
Clock hand, sharp object for sewing, and tool for drawing blood or administering medications.
36. Wine
A type of alcoholic beverage and verbal conjugation of the verb “venir” (she came).
37. Foot
A part of the body and the end part (bracket) of a lamp.
38. Ridge
A part of the rooster and a part of the wave of the sea.
39. Candle
Part of a boat and wax object that is lit by a flame to illuminate or heat.
40. Band
A band is a group of thieves, and also a music group. It’s also a part of an object.
41. Rebecca
A garment and a woman’s name.
42. Layer
A garment and that which covers or bathes something (e.g. a coat of paint).
43. Ratchet
A bird and a musical instrument.
44. Hard
A type of currency (pesetas) and a characteristic of an object (the opposite of soft).
45. River
Water flow and conjugation of the verb reír (“I river”).
46. March
The military march (movement of troops), way of walking and conjugation of the verb to leave (“he leaves”).
47. Emperor
A type of fish and an important figure in a population (sovereign, supreme chief…).
48. Fabric
A type of fabric or texture and some areas of the human body (made up of millions of cells).
49. Bridge
A type of construction where people cross between two sides of earth and a piece of metal to hold the artificial teeth.
50. Garment
A piece of clothing and a person of “dubious reputation”.
Bibliographic references
-
Fernández, M. (1990). Around polysemy and homonymy. Yearbook of Philological Studies, 193-205.
-
Royal Spanish Academy. (2001). Dictionary of the Spanish Language (22nd ed.). Madrid, Spain: Author.
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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You can download the practice sheet NOW!
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.
Words with Multiple Meanings: How to Understand and Use Them
7 min
Created: March 29th, 2023Last updated: March 29th, 2023
Contents
English is a notoriously tricky language due to various nuances, spellings, and pronunciation issues. Many commonly used words have several definitions – an all-too-familiar obstacle constantly appearing in language learning! But never fear; working on words with multiple meanings can become incredibly rewarding in expanding your lexicon.
Here’s an insightful guide to some commonly used English words with several meanings. We will discuss different types of such expressions and provide examples so that you can better understand the fascinating complexity behind them.
What is a Word That Has Multiple Meanings
A word with various meanings is simply one with more than its initial definitions. Depending on the context they are used in, such expressions can possess an extensively diverse set of interpretations and have various uses.
It’s common to come across one word with two meanings, and knowing this nuance is part of developing an enriching vocabulary. Some tend to be basic and easy to understand, whereas others can present quite a challenge, even for the most experienced English speakers!
As you work to understand the definition of such expressions, remember that they can fall into a few distinct categories. It’s essential to be aware of these, as each type has nuances you should pay attention to. Below, we discuss the three kinds of words in English with multiple meanings.
Homonyms
This category is an umbrella term for words with any combination of the same spelling or sound but different meanings. Whether the words are homophones or homographs, they will always be classified as homonyms.
Homophones
Within the homonyms group, there are homophones – specifically words with multiple definitions and spellings but the same pronunciation. An example would be ‘right’ and ‘write’ (/raɪt/). While they are pronounced the same, their meanings differ drastically.
Homographs
In contrast, homographs have different meanings and the same spelling but different pronunciations. We see an excellent example in the word ‘bass.’ If this expression is pronounced with one syllable (/bæs/), it refers to a type of fish. And if uttered with two syllables (/beɪs/), it means a lower-range musical note or instrument.
6
Examples of Words with Multiple Meaning
Now, it’s time to look at the words with multiple meanings examples. We will discuss each expression in context and delve deeper into the different definitions they could carry.
- Strike
- An act of hitting or pushing something forcefully (noun).
He put his full strength into the strike, pushing away the box with great vigor.
- An organized collective action carried out to protest or accomplish something (noun).
The workers are planning to go on strike as a sign of protest for their reduced wages.
- Type
- A grouping or class of instances that have similar features (noun).
The teacher asked us to describe five types of animals living on our continent.
- The different sizes and styles of letters in a typeface (noun).
The latest type used in most marketing materials is more modern and eye-catching.
- An action of pressing a key on a typewriter or keyboard (verb).
The writer typed on her laptop, with the sound of clicking keys echoing throughout the room.
- Minutes
- The notes taken down during a meeting, outlining decisions made and action steps (noun).
The CEO asked the manager to send out an email containing yesterday’s meeting minutes.
- A unit of time equivalent to sixty seconds (noun).
The waiter asked us to wait for five more minutes before he could bring our order.
- Fair
- A public event featuring amusement park rides, food stands, and other activities (noun).
Cathy and her friends watched the Ferris wheel twirl around during their visit to the fair.
- Treating someone or something without bias (adjective).
The competition’s regulations are apparent – every contestant will be judged according to fair criteria.
- Lead
- A heavy metal primarily used in batteries and other electrical items (noun).
The manufacturer found a large quantity of lead while excavating the site.
- To take charge or guide someone else to do something effectively (verb).
The teacher led the students through their exercises, giving instructions one at a time.
- Row
- One of several lines or sequences that make up a set (noun).
We took the data from last month’s report and organized it into 20 rows on the spreadsheet.
- To propel a boat using oars (verb).
The kayakers rowed along the river as they felt its gentle current.
- Right
- That which is proper and should be done (adjective).
It was the right thing to do; I’m glad he helped his neighbor with the repairs.
- The opposite of the left (adjective).
The shop was on the right side of the street.
- An entitlement or privilege that has been granted (noun).
The company gave their employees certain rights when they started working there.
- Tie
- Something that joins, links, or connects two people; a relationship (noun).
The family members have kept the ties between them strong for many generations.
- A piece of clothing worn around the neck and knotted under the chin (noun).
The student wore a plain tie with his formal outfit to the presentation.
- To fasten or secure an object in place (verb).
The thief was trying to tie up a bag full of money when he got caught by the cops.
- Watch
- An action of monitoring someone or something with focus and attention (verb).
Everyone was watching the news on television yesterday, shocked at hearing the breaking story.
- A small time-telling device, typically worn on the wrist (noun).
She looked at her watch and saw she was late for the meeting.
- Rose
- A flower (noun).
He presented her with a beautiful rose as a symbol of his admiration.
- To increase or develop in intensity (verb).
The level of debate between the two politicians rapidly rose, with each one making piercing points.
- Left
- The direction toward the west (noun).
She ended up taking a wrong turn and suddenly found herself heading left.
- Past or gone (verb).
He left the party without even saying goodbye.
- Novel
- An original, untold story that transcends its categories (noun).
Her latest novel was praised for its remarkable plot twists.
- Something highly unusual or extraordinary (adjective).
The novel solution he offered solved the issue quickly with minimum effort.
- Nail
- A short, thin piece of metal with a point at one end and a head on the other (noun).
I realized I had left out some nails while constructing my shelf, so I quickly grabbed some more.
- Doing something remarkably well or achieving excellent results (verb).
He nailed his recent presentation by thoroughly covering all topics without missing any details.
- Saw
- A tool with a serrated blade used for cutting wood (noun).
He took extra precautions when using the saw – its sharp edges could always pose potential risks.
- To observe or have previously seen something (verb).
I saw a nice rainbow yesterday when I was walking home from school.
- Bow
- A type of weapon used for aiming and shooting arrows (noun).
She constantly practiced with her bows to compete in the tournament.
- Bending slightly to greet somebody, usually as an act of respect (verb).
He bowed in front of the monarch to show his respect and admiration.
These examples demonstrate some of the most common words with multiple meanings in English. Pay close attenton to the context they are used in and their definition each time you come across them to better understand the language.
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Conclusion
Thanks to our guide, now you know the answer to the question, what is a word that has multiple meanings. Understanding the nuances and types of such expressions can help you avoid confusion and become more confident in your written and spoken communication. Keep practicing, and you’ll be able to master such multi-functional words.
FAQ
Why do words have multiple meanings?
The reason behind this phenomenon may have historical, cultural, or linguistic roots. For example, it could be that a word with double meaning originates from two languages and describes different concepts. Another possible explanation is that the usage of words can transform over time due to cultural changes and adaptations.
How many meanings can a word have?
Some words can have as few as two meanings, while others may possess up to dozens! Nothing is definite here; this amount varies greatly depending on the specific expression. Generally-used ones tend to accumulate additional connotations over time due to transformations in language use.
Why is understanding these words important?
Recognizing multiple meaning phrases provides an essential framework for writing and speaking fluidly with precision, accuracy, and clarity. Sometimes, the wrong usage can drastically alter the meaning of a sentence and misinterpret the speaker’s intentions.
How can I work on multiple-meaning words?
It’s all about practicing regularly and familiarizing yourself with different contexts! Learn from examples, allow yourself to make mistakes, and don’t be afraid to check the definition in dictionaries like Cambridge or Merriam-Webster. These references will undoubtedly give you a better understanding of such expressions.
В потоке английской речи мы точно распознаем только те слова, которые мы не только неоднократно слышали или читали, но и неоднократно произнесли сами вслух, так как голосовой аппарат – это орган памяти, как и рука музыканта.
Какой из этого мы сделаем вывод?
Правильно: слышим – понимаем — произносим – читаем – пишем — говорим.
Что можно исключить из этого ряда?
НИЧЕГО!
Сегодня мы продолжим знакомство с темой
«One word – two meanings»
http://at-english.ru/mp3files/hsay15.mp3
«One word – two meanings»
Listen!
He wrote her a note before he left.
He wrote her a note before he left.
She found the top note difficult to sing.
She found the top note difficult to sing.
После того как вы осознанно произнесете слово note в этих предложениях, вы легко узнаете его в любой звучащей речи.
Конечно, тренированный слух сразу услышит всем знакомое в нашем языке слово нота, как в слове attractive (привлекательный, притягательный, заманчивый) он сразу услышит слово аттракцион.
Слушайте, повторяйте — желаем вам успеха!
———————————————————-
И сегодня мы Вам рекомендуем:
Беспрецедентный Курс, у которого совершенно нет аналогов,
Обучающий Эффективному и Легкому
Пополнению Словарного и Фразового Запаса 
«Speak English Every Day»:
Слова Зубрить Не Надо!
— За три недели увлекательнейших занятий Вы пополните свой словарный запас не менее, чем на 287 слов;
— За три недели Вы воскресите свою память и обучите ее работать лучше и эффективнее;
— за три недели Вы настроите свое восприятие на Качественное и Быстрое запоминание новых слов, фраз и выражений
Вы ощутите Реальный Видимый Успех КАЖДЫЙ(!) ДЕНЬ
при помощи Увлекательной, Легкой Уникальной Программы, рассчитанной на три недели ежедневных интересных занятий с Пользой на Всю Оставшуюся Жизнь!
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http://at-english.ru/3week.htm
Читайте о Программе Подробнее и Резервируйте Свою Копию Программы!!!
Конечно, отсутствие языковой среды тормозит изучение языка:
Слова можно рано или поздно выучить. Но слова — это одно, а фразы совсем другое!
У всех, кто осваивает английский язык самостоятельно, возникают проблемы с восприятием речи на слух и выражением своих мыслей в потоке свободной речи.
Уверена, что многие из Вас испытывают подобные затруднения.
Для тренировки осмысленного произнесения слов и выражений и активизации памяти,
эффективного пополнения словарного и фразового запаса,
специально разработан курс
«Speak English Every Day!»:
Продолжаем тренировать Ловкость языка, Восприятие и распознавание звучащей речи, набираем Речевой Опыт.
«Speak English Every Day!» — Слова Зубрить Не Надо!
И БОНУС — озвученная книга Английских Скороговорок для улучшения произношения!
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