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.
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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.
A homonym is like «right» and «write», or «flower» and «flour».
A homograph is «each of two or more words spelled the same but not necessarily pronounced the same and having different meanings and origins», so like bow (the weapon) and bow (the action), or die (death) and die (dice).
So I think homograph is the correct word that OP is looking for, as it says «not necessarily pronounced the same», which means it doesn’t matter how it’s pronounced, the only conditions would be that the word is spelt the same, and has a different meaning.
However, of the above examples used, ‘bow’ and ‘bow’ go under the subcategory of heteronym due to different pronunciations, and ‘die’ and ‘die’ go under the subcategory of homonym, because the only difference in the word is the meaning, pronunciation remains unchanged.
This is a bit confusing, so here’s a good page, check out the little diagram on the right: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heteronym_(linguistics)
Edit: Found this on the homonym wikipedia page, seems pretty useful for distinguishing the different kinds: http://puu.sh/rSEvn/5c7e0dd9b9.png
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!
Для знакомства с подробным описанием программы проходите по этой ссылке:
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!
Интересная статья? Можно поделиться, кликнув на кнопку:
With the vast nature of the English language, it’s natural that some words have overlapping meanings, or one word may have a very similar meaning to another word. And while these overlapping words are already a lot, you might also be confused about what to call these alike meaning words.
The word ‘synonyms’ is the most preferred way to describe two words that mean the same. ‘Synonym’ is straightforward with its meaning that when two words are synonymous, it means two words have almost or the same exact definition. Thus, making it the most appropriate word in any context.
Synonyms
Calling two words ‘synonymous’ is one way to indicate that two words mean the same thing. The word ‘synonym’ also follows an equal definition. However, it would be good to note that not all synonyms exactly mean the same, and there is still a most appropriate word for any context.
For example, ‘thin’ and ‘narrow’ maybe synonymous in a way. However, it seems off to describe a person as narrow or a road as thin. In that way, even if the two words mean the same, there is still a more preferred or appropriate word in a given context. It’s best to describe the road as narrow and a person as thin or skinny. But another synonym for the two words would be slim or slender, which we can use to describe either a person or a road.
Words Alike
Describing two words as ‘alike’ is another way of saying that the two are synonymous. In other contexts, it could also mean that two things are similar in a way. Many also prefer to use ‘alike’ as it still means similar, but does not imply exact duplicates.
The word ‘alike’ is also versatile as it is not only used to describe two words, but other things that are similar to each other. In the context of words or synonyms, we say ‘brave’ and ‘courageous’ are two words alike. But, we can also say ‘both of you look alike’ or ‘the two of them dress alike’ to express similarity in visuals and fashion, respectively. Thus, saying two words are alike is another way of saying they mean the same thing.
Similar Words
The words ‘alike’ and ‘similar’ are synonyms, and in this context, they mean the exact same thing. Like ‘alike,’ describing two words as similar means that the two words have definitions that are almost the same or in some way alike, but it does not imply exactly the same.
The only difference between using ‘similar’ and ‘alike’ is the grammar rules or how we structure them in a sentence. We usually say that two words are alike, but when we use ‘similar,’ we say that the two are similar words. So, we say, ‘beautiful and pretty are words alike,’ but we say ‘beautiful and pretty are similar words.’ Despite this difference, the two phrases and words are still synonymous and mean the exact same.
Likewise
‘Likewise’ is another synonym for ‘alike’ and ‘similar,’ and these three words mean that two words are alike or in the same way. Saying that two words are likewise is like saying that one word is also another. However, saying there are limitations in saying two words are likewise.
Saying that two words are likewise may imply that the two words mean exactly the same. For example, saying that ‘long and tall are likewise’ is the same as saying ‘long is also tall’ and implies that the two are interchangeable. However, saying that a person is tall may not have the same meaning as saying a person is long (this may also be totally improper and inappropriate). So, it’s best to use ‘likewise’ only for words that mean the exact same.
Parallel Words
Describing two words as parallel is another way of saying the two are synonymous. However, there are limitations to saying this, as it implies that the two are exactly the same or their meanings are exact duplicates of one another, just like how parallel lines are.
The limitation in using the term ‘parallel’ is that not all synonymous words may exactly be the same as another. It means that they are similar but not exactly parallel. For example, ‘happy and joyful are parallel words,’ meaning they are exactly the same in this particular context. However, you can’t say ‘nerdy and smart are parallel words’ because the two words may not mean exactly the same. Smart may be a compliment, while nerdy may come off as something offensive.
Equal/Equivalent
Like the word ‘parallel,’ using the word ‘equal’ or ‘equivalent’ implies that two words mean exactly the same thing. In Math, equal or equivalent terms are usually interchangeable in positions. In the same way, saying words are equal implies that they are interchangeable with each other.
Using the term equal or equivalent may not be applicable in all cases, as not all synonyms are always interchangeable in all contexts. For example, the word ugly and horrible may be equals or equivalents when describing a person’s looks. However, ugly is not an appropriate equivalent of horrible when describing the taste of a food.
Describing two words are the ‘same’ is a graver version of saying two words are ‘similar’ or ‘alike.’ Unlike the two latter words, the word ‘same’ emphasizes or implies that the two given words are exactly the same. It’s another way of saying the two are equal or parallel.
However, describing something as ‘the same’ is not always applicable and varies depending on the context. In one context where two words are interchangeable, ‘Dirty and filthy are the same’ for example, here, ‘same’ works. However, there are also synonymous and similar words that aren’t exactly the same and are not interchangeable with each other.
Identical Words
Describing two words as ‘identical’ strongly implies that the two are exactly the same. A simple analogy for this is that, identical twins are usually twins that are almost exact duplicates of each other. In the same way, identical words imply they are duplicates or totally the same.
However, not all words are always the same. So, using ‘identical’ actually needs more caution, especially since it may give off a wrong meaning that two words are precisely the same but may not be the case all the time. For example saying ‘charm and beauty are identical words’ may be true for some individuals or in a given context, but it may not be the case for others or other contexts.
Interchangeable Words
Saying two words are interchangeable directly means that the words are synonymous and interchangeable. It simply means that you could use both words in the given context. Given this, though, we only use it for two words that are precisely the same and appropriate for the said context.
For example, saying that ‘beautiful and pretty are interchangeable’ directly implies that you can use either of the two words in your sentence or the context you want to use it. However, we only use ‘interchangeable’ for two words that are precisely the same and interchangeable with each other, without any change of meaning.
Redundant
We say words are redundant when they are put in the same sentence but mean the same thing. ‘Redundant’ actually means exceeding what is necessary, meaning there are more than the needed words to describe what you want to do so. In the same way, one can redact redundant words.
An example of redundancy is saying, ‘she was shy and bashful during the first day.’ Here, ‘shy’ and ‘bashful’ may be redundant as they mean the same thing. While keeping the sentence as is works also, one may also remove redundancy by keeping only one of the two words, and discarding or redacting the other.
Tautologous
Saying a phrase is tautologous is another way of saying that it is redundant, implying that there is an unneeded repetition of ideas in a sentence. Though these words are usually redundant, there are different tautologous phrases that we often use in everyday conversations.
An example of a tautologous phrase would be ‘adequate enough.’ Essentially, adequate and enough have the same meaning of being as much as required or needed. So, putting ‘adequate’ and ‘enough’ together may seem redundant, but many speakers still use it in various contexts and daily conversations.
Pleonasm
Pleonasm is more of a linguistic style and expression. It is using redundant phrases and words, more words than necessary, to emphasize meaning and add more style. The word pleonasm, in it’s Latin origin, already means to be excessive, and so pleonasm also means being excessive in redundant phrases.
An example of pleonasm is saying ‘burning fire.’ Saying ‘burning’ and ‘fire’ becomes redundant, as saying ‘fire’ in itself already means it is burning. Another would be the phrase ‘hear with my own ears,’ which becomes redundant as the ears is the only way one can hear.
You may also like: 10 Terms For Two Words That Contradicts Each Other
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Crypt or serious
Answer:
Grave
A crypt is an underground chamber which can be part of a mausoleum where bodies are buried. If you are a serious person, you can be sombre or lacking in humour. Both these meanings can also be described as grave.
Other meanings of grave are an accent, to show how a word should be pronounced, and something of great importance — ‘this is a grave threat to our survival’.
2. Gaudy or piercing
Answer:
Loud
Gaudy means to be ostentatious or tasteless. Something at a high or piercing volume is noisy. Loud is a word which can be used for both of these meanings.
It is not a compliment to be told that what you are wearing is loud — it is generally meant as an insult and that you are standing out in an offensive manner. As to the noise, it rather depends on what it is. Some music needs to be played loud to get the full effect.
3. Inlet of a sea or healthy
Answer:
Sound
A sound can describe the part of an ocean which lies between the mainland and an island, or an inlet close to land. It is also used to describe a state of health, as in ‘of sound mind’ or in connection with livestock — ‘the horse is sound’.
Sound more often refers to something heard, such as ‘I loved the sound of her voice’. It also means something firm or solid — ‘the property stands on sound ground’ and harshness, as in ‘he received a sound beating for stealing’.
4. Overcome or persuade
Answer:
Prevail
To overcome means to gain control or win, while persuade means to convince someone to agree with you or what you want them to do. Prevail can be used to mean either of these situations.
If you prevail, you have won, either by force of argument or by being stronger physically. To prevail upon someone is to present arguments that mean they agree with you, as in ‘the prevailing view’ meaning the majority opinion.
5. Container or small tree
Answer:
Box
A container is something which can be used to store something. In this sense, box has the same meaning, often used to refer to a container made from cardboard. In the other meaning offered in the question, box refers to a small evergreen tree or bush, often used to create hedges.
Other meanings of box are a sport involving fighting, a private area of seating in a theatre or protective equipment worn in some sports. Colloquially, it can refer to a television, as in ‘what’s on the box tonight’. It can also mean a small square on a form where you place a mark, often a cross.
6. Sportsman or jug
Answer:
Pitcher
The sportsman would appear in a game of baseball, when it refers to the person who delivers the ball to the batter. A pitcher is a container with a handle and a lip for pouring out liquids.
A pitcher could also be used in golf to refer to a club which hits the ball into the air to get over obstacles. Other words for the jug like pitcher are ewer or flagon. There is also a plant called a pitcher, due to its shape and the way in which it captures insects.
7. Slim or slant
Answer:
Lean
If you are slim, you carry little in the way of fat and lean is a synonym in this sense of the word. You can also use lean in the same way as deviate or bend from the vertical.
Other antonyms for lean when describing a person’s build are plump or chubby. Lean is rather more pejorative than slim and is more akin to skinny, meaning being too thin. It can be used to describe a shortage of something, as in ‘lean pickings’. Lean can be used as a verb too — you can lean against a wall or lean something against a support if it is getting too heavy.
8. Answer or chemical mixture
Answer:
Solution
One use of the word ‘solution’ is as the answer to a problem or mathematical poser. A solution is also the word for a liquid made by mixing a solid into water, as in mixing salt into water to create saline.
In the first sense, solution is related to solving and resolution, where a problem is settled in a way which suits the majority.
9. Disagreement or line
Answer:
Row
A disagreement can be a quarrel, as squabble or an argument. A line can refer to a queue of people or a mark made on paper. The word ‘row’, pronounced differently, can be used to describe both these situations.
A row is mostly used to refer to a heated disagreement, literally making a lot of noise or a row. Row can refer to propelling a boat using oars, to a line of knitting or a row of seats in a theatre.
10. Season or water
Answer:
Spring
The season in the question referred to the season of the year, rather than to add flavour to food, while the water part meant the type which bubbles up from underground.
The four seasons are, of course, summer, winter, autumn (or fall) and spring, the season of hope and new life. As mentioned, season can also mean to add flavourings such as salt and pepper to food. Additionally, it can mean a series of television shows using the same characters. A spring is a natural source of water, and can also refer to bent metal, which can expand or contract, and a sudden leap as in to ‘spring into action’.
Source: Author rossian
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor looney_tunes before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.
Expand your child’s vocabulary with this creative exercise using the same word, two meanings. As your child works, discuss with him other common words that have multiple meanings. Looking up definitions of these multiple-meaning words is great research practice, too!
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Grade
Fourth Grade
Subject
Reading & Writing
Grammar
Language and Vocabulary
Language
Homophones and Homographs
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L.4.4
L.4.5
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- There are lots of English language words that are spelled the same but have different meanings.
- A baseball bat and the nocturnal animal bat are good examples of a «homonym.»
- An airy wind and «to wind down» are homographs, too.
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It’s no secret that the English language can be tricky. For anyone learning the language, it’s difficult to grasp all the drastic differences a single word can have.
People most get tripped up on words that are too similar. When words are spelled the same and sound the same but have different meanings, then they are called homonyms. When they are just spelled the same but sound different and have different meanings, then they are homographs.
Here are some of the most popular homonyms and homographs in the English language.
Bat
Shutterstock
When used as a noun, a bat could be a winged, nocturnal animal or a piece of sporting equipment used in baseball. It can also be used as a verb when a player goes up to bat during a baseball game.
Compact
Shutterstock
When used as an adjective, «compact» means small, but when used as a verb, it means to make something smaller. It can also be used as a noun when talking about a small case for makeup.
Desert
Janelle Lugge/Shutterstock
As a noun, «desert» is a dry, barren area of land where little rain occurs. When used as a verb, the word means to abandon a person or cause.
Fair
ThomasPhoto/Shutterstock
The word «fair» has a few meanings when used as different parts of speech. When used as an adjective, it can describe someone as agreeable, but it can also describe someone who has light skin or hair. As a noun, a «fair» is typically a local event that celebrates a certain person, place, or historical moment.
Lie
Getty
«Lie» could mean to lay down and to tell something untruthful when used as an adjective. If used as a noun, it is a false statement.
Lead
Shutterstock
The word «lead» could be the verb that means to guide someone or something, while the noun version of the word pertains to the metal.
Minute
Maridav/Shutterstock
The word «minute» can be a measure of time or a measurement of how small something is.
Refuse
Susana Vera/Reuters
To decline or accept something is the verb form of «refuse,» while garbage is the noun form.
Project
Shutterstock
The word «project» has several meanings as a verb. It could mean to plan, to throw, or to cast an image on a surface. As a noun, it is a task or piece of work.
Second
Buda Mendes/ Getty
Like the word «minute,» «second» is another measurement of time, while it can also denote the placement of something after the first.
Fine
Flickr/Charleston’s The Digitel
The word «fine» has several meanings, including two different adjectives. First, it can be used to describe something as high quality and second, it can describe something especially thin. As a noun, «fine» means a payment for a violation.
Entrance
Danny Lawson — WPA Pool/Getty Images
When pronounced slightly differently, the word «entrance» has multiple meanings. As a noun, an entrance is a point of access and entry. It could also be used to describe a dramatic arrival, like a bride at her wedding. However, as a verb, to entrance means to bewitch and delight.
Clip
Alexander Baxevanis/Flickr
The verb form of «clip» can actually get quite confusing. The word can actually mean to cut something apart or to attach together. The word even has a noun form, which is an object that helps attach two things.
Overlook
Colin D. Young/Shutterstock
To overlook means to fail to notice something, but when the word is used as a noun, it is a place where you can look down and see from a higher vantage point.
Consult
Mandate Pictures
«Consult» is another one of those tricky words that have two different meanings and they are opposites of each other. «To consult» can mean to seek advice or to give professional advice.
Row
REUTERS/Erik De Castro
As a noun, a «row» means a fight or disagreement. It could also refer to how something is organized into a line. As a verb, «to row» means to propel a boat forward.
Discount
Mike Kemp/ Getty
As a noun, «discount» is a reduction in price and can also be used as a synonym to «on sale.» But when used as a verb, the word means to underestimate someone or something and give them no value.
Wind
Wikimedia Commons
A subtle difference in pronunciation completely changes the word «wind.» It can refer to a flow of air or it can mean to turn.
Contract
Sean Gallup/Getty Images
When used as a noun, «contract» is a written or verbal agreement, but when used as a verb, it means to acquire or to get.
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Words
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In English language, there are many words that spell the same but differ in meaning as per their usage. These are also called homographs. Based on their usage and functions, words are categorized into eight parts of speech. These words change their meaning in accordance to their usage. However the change in the meaning of the word occurs only when the word is used as a noun, adjective, verb and adverb.
To understand this better, let us look at some examples:
CLEAN
- The cottage needs a good clean.
- He clean forgot about dropping the letters in the post box.
- The entertainment was good clean fun for the whole family.
- He cleaned up his act and came off drugs.
In the above example, we have used the word clean and used it in 4 different sentences, each signifying a different meaning, along with its usage as different parts of speech.
Sentence A — The cottage needs a good clean. The word clean in this sentence means the act or an instance of cleaning. Since this is an act, hence it is a noun.
Sentence B — He clean forgot about dropping the letters in the post box. The meaning of the word clean in this sentence is completely, and since it is modifying the word forgot which a verb (action word) is, it is an adverb.
Sentence C — The entertainment was good clean fun for the whole family. In this case, the meaning of the word clean is fit for everyone, nothing obscene. The word in this case is modifying fun, which is a noun; hence the word here is an adjective.
Sentence D — He cleaned up his act and came off drugs. In this case the word cleans means to rid of undesirable features. Clean has been used to denote an action, and hence in this case it is a verb.
LIGHT
- The new lamp had good light for reading.
- Magnesium is a light metal.
- Rahul likes to travel light.
- The choice lighted on me.
Sentence A — The new lamp had good light for reading. In this the word light is being is used to mean a particular quality or type of light. And also it has been used as a noun.
Sentence B — Magnesium is a light metal. In this the word is used to mean having relatively low density, also since it is used to describe the word metal which is a noun, it is an adjective.
Sentence C — Rahul likes to travel light. In this, the word light means little equipment, baggage, etc.
Sentence D — the choice lighted on me. In this the word light is used to denote an action thus it is verb and it means to strike or fall on.
Some of the similar kinds of words are:
LOVE
We love you. (Here, love is a verb as it is showing the action in terms of expressing an emotion)
Love is blind. (Here, Love is a noun as it is a name of an emotion)
WATER
We drink water. (Here, water is a noun as it is name of the thing)
They water the plants. (Here, water is a verb as here it means giving water to plants i.e. an action)
This is a water pipe. (Here, water is a adjective as it is describing pipe which is a noun)
ABOVE
The heavens showered blessings from above. (Here, ‘above’ is used as a noun)
She is above average in intelligence. (Here, above is a preposition as here it is showing the position or the status of the pronoun ‘she’)
Analyze the above sentence. (Here, above is an adjective as it telling something about the noun ‘sentence’)
FAST
He did not take anything during the fast. (It names something, so it is a noun)
Muslims fast during Ramazan. (This is an activity, so fast is a verb)
She speaks fast. (This becomes adverb here as it is describing a verb i.e. )
BACK
I have pain in the back. (It is a noun here)
I will come back in 5 minutes. (It is an adverb here, as it describes verb- come)
Have you closed the back door.(It is describing a noun-door, so it is an adjective)
He backed his car through the gate. (Back is used as a verb here)
NEAR
He lives near the station. (Near is a preposition here)
He got nervous as the examinations neared. (Here, it is a verb)
Most of my near relatives live abroad. (Here, it is used as an adjective for noun-relatives)
I went near enough to see over it. (Near is an adverb here which described enough)
Thus from these examples it is implicit that with different usage, the same word in English language can have different meanings.