Word meaning multiple meanings

Our language is multifaceted and rich. Sometimes, using this or that word, we do not think about the boundaries of its meaning. We know that the Earth is the name of our planet, and the earth is part of its surface, land, soil. Also, everyone knows that the world is the entire system around us and at the same time the world is the absence of enmity, life without war. Some of the semantic interpretations we express are the same lexical units, which are words with several meanings. Let’s find out why this happens.

Why are there words in the language that have several meanings?

Another linguist AA Potebnya, who lived in the XIX century, wrote in his monograph «Thought and Language» that the development of human speech goes in the direction of greater abstraction.

When our distant ancestors learned how to express theirdesires and emotions with the help of sounds, they did not yet know what the geometry and Mendeleyev’s table were, they did not distinguish between the concepts «bad» and «terrible», «good» and «excellent.» The first words called objects, phenomena and feelings, the ability to identify and express which was necessary in everyday life. Similarly, children who are only learning to speak, at first use simple words such as «mom», «dad», «house», «table», and only then understand what kindness, joy, hatred, anger means.

In the course of development, an ancient person has the ability tofigurative and analytical thinking, it became necessary to come up with new designations for the new concepts. Sometimes as such notations used already existing words in the language, which, however, was given a new meaning. But the original meaning of these words was preserved. So many words appeared that have several meanings.

How correctly to name lexemes with several meanings

In linguistics, a word with several meanings,is called multivalued. This is the term of Russian linguistics, and in foreign science such words bear the names of polysemantic (from the Greek polis — «many», and semanticos — «signifying»).

Russian Academician V. V. Vinogradov called multivalued the ability of one word to convey various information about objects and phenomena of extralinguistic reality. In this case, it should be said that the meaning embedded in the word, its real-semantic envelope is called a lexical meaning. Above, examples of the interpretation of words with several lexical meanings are given. However, very few people know that the word «peace» has not two, but seven values! Check it can be on the explanatory dictionary Ozhegova.

Polysemy and homonymy

In linguistics, as in any other science, there isconcepts that are among the discussion. So, for example, AA Potebnya and R. Jakobson believed that words with several meanings do not exist, because if a lexeme under some circumstances began to designate another object or phenomenon, then it completely changed its semantic core.

However, in the traditional grammar, the concepts of polysemy and homonymy are still different, although they are often confused in Internet resources.

It is believed that words that have several meanings,still retain in each interpretation their semantic center, some representation that lies at the very root of the structure of the lexical unit. It is assumed that polysemantic words have a continuity of meanings, while homonyms do not. For example, a crane and a crane in the kitchen, the note «salt» and the kitchen salt are homonyms, and not many-valued words, because there is no semantic connection between them.

How does the ambiguity of words

It is believed that polysemy occurs in three main ways:

• By metaphorical transfer. A metaphor is a shift in the meaning of a word, based on the similarity of several objects. For example: wheat grain is the seed of truth.
• With the help of metonymy. By metonymy we mean the transfer of the meaning of one word to another according to the principle of the presence of semantic connections between two concepts. For example: a dish of expensive porcelain — a delicious dish of French cuisine.
• With the help of a synecdoche. Many linguists believe that a synecdoche is a special case of metonymy. By this term we mean the transfer of the name of the part to the whole. For example: «home» instead of «home» and «returning home from America» ​​instead of «returning to Russia» (if you mean exactly coming to your country, and not specifically to your home from someone else’s house).

Examples of polysemantic words

We can assume that the name of our planet -Earth — appeared again from the name of land, soil. After all, people and mammals exist on land, it is their real habitat. And the name of our planet was formed by means of metonymic transfer, that is, the designation of a part of the surface was transferred to the whole. We also say, for example, that the class listens attentively to the teacher, meaning by this not the room, but the students in it.

We call raspberries, as well as bush, onwhich they grow. Polysemy here developed on the principle of synecdoche. But the vernacular meaning of the word «raspberry» — «thieves’ stash» is, rather, homonymous to the other two examples of its use.

What does the word «prefix» mean?

Can you at once say — one or morevalues ​​has the word «prefix»? From the school course of the Russian language, everyone knows that the so-called part of the word preceding the root and serving to change the meaning of the lexical unit is called. This noun is formed from the verb «pestering» and actually calls everything that is «attached», that stands next to something.

In the explanatory dictionary of the Russian language two meanings of this word are noted:

• tape recorder, amplifying the sound power;
• morpheme, prefix;
• 10-15 years ago, a prefix for a virtual game was called a prefix.

Language puns based on polysemy and homonymy

In every developed language there are words that coincidein form, but different in meaning. The combination of such lexical units in one text is used to create a comic effect, play puns. Try to explain what the comic effect of the following phrases is based on:

• Mowed oblique oblique oblique.
• He stoked the stove all night. By the morning she drowned.
• Parrot us, parrot.
• He learned the verse and the verse.

In the above phrases, the comic effect is basedon the homonymy of certain forms of words. But the vocabulary forms of these lexical units are different. So, in the first example, the words «mow», «oblique», «braid» are used. «Oblique» as an adjective means «uneven,» «curve,» and «oblique» as a noun is a colloquial name for a hare. The second example uses the ambiguity of the word «sink»: kindle the fire, immerse deeply in the water. In the third example, homonyms are used: a parrot as a noun — the name of a bird, a parrot as an imperative from the verb «scare». And finally, in the fourth example, the pun is based on the coincidence of the past tense form of the verb «subscribe» and the noun in the nominative «verse» (a line in poetry).

It is not always easy to understand one or morevalues ​​have words. The root of lexemes and the analysis of usage contexts can help to determine whether the units under consideration are multivalued or homonymous.

Exercise on the interpretation of the meanings of many-valued words

Task: look at the list below and try to determine by yourself, one or more values ​​have the highlighted words: wardrobe, fox, machine, path, hand, core. Explain your choice. How many values ​​did you have for each word?

All of the above words have several lexical meanings:

• Wardrobe refers to clothing items, as well as the room where they are stored.
• The fox is an animal and at the same time a cunning person. The ambiguity developed due to the fact that in ancient times (and in the villages — now) foxes at night, when no one sees them, they penetrated into people’s dwellings and barns to steal food.
• The machine is both a vehicle and technical equipment.
• The path is both a road on earth, and air communication, and metaphorically a person’s life.
• The hand is part of the body and handwriting.
• The core is both the central part of something, and the basis of any movement, for example, of the army.

Several tasks for logic

Look at the phrases below. Can you guess what unites:

1. the post of diplomat and salting;
2. radiation of the sun and the estate of aristocrats;
3. marital relations and poorly made products;
4. a strip of land in the sea and the pride of a Russian beauty;
5. river fish and a dishwashing brush.

Answers: the ambassador; shine; marriage; spit; ruff.

What do you think, which of the above examplesbelong to homonymy, and which ones — to polysemy? Words with several meanings differ from homonyms by the presence of some logical-semantic connection between different concepts. In example 2, the connection is based on a metaphor: how the sun illuminates the earth, so aristocrats, because of their education and development, were the adornment of society. And in Example 5, the connection between the fish and the brush is based on metonymy, so the external shape of the brush resembles a fish. Examples under numbers 1, 3, 4 are based on homonymy.

Thus, we found out that a word havingseveral values, is called multivalued, or polysemantic. But it is desirable to be able to distinguish ambiguity from homonymy. If there is any semantic connection between words with several meanings, then there are no semantic links between them.

In the children’s book series, Amelia Bedelia, Amelia is often asked to complete tasks in which she takes the instructions literally. For example, she’s asked to dress the chicken. What does she do? Amelia literally puts a little green pair of shorts and a pink top on the chicken. 

Was that what her instructions meant? Of course not! She was supposed to prepare the chicken for cooking. But that’s just it:  The English language is complex because sometimes the same word can be used in a different context and have a whole new meaning. This is what’s referred to as a homonym or homophone. Let’s dive into the most frequently used English words that have double or multiple meanings.

• What are homonyms?
• What are homophones?

Most frequently used English words with multiple meanings 

It’s vital to understand and recognize homophones and homonyms when in conversation with someone because you wouldn’t want to mistakenly dress a chicken up in clothing, would you?

Exactly!

Let’s first analyze homonyms. 

What are Homonyms?

Homonyms are words that are spelled the same and sound the same but mean something different. We’ve compiled a list of common homonyms below.

1. Jam 

When used as a noun, jam means the sweet Smucker strawberry jelly you smudge on your PB&J sandwich. 

The verb jam could also have numerous meanings. For one, it could be used to refer to playing music. Here’s an example, “I got my drums and he’s got his guitar… it’s time to jam”. 

2. Pool

Pool can mean the body of water in a backyard that’s used to swim in. 

For example: “After a long day at work, I relaxed in my pool.”

The other version is the game of billiards or using a stick to push a ball into a specific corner of the playing table. When you play pool, you’re competing against another person to get as many of your color balls into the hole first as possible. 

3. Season

The smell of freshly cut grass and distant giggles of kids splashing about in their pool are all sounds of summer. Summer is a season just like winter, fall and spring. Because the Sun and Earth are constantly moving, the sun shines differently across different areas on Earth. This creates different temperatures during the time periods we call seasons. 

But “season” is a word with a double meaning: Indeed, you can season your food with salt and pepper to give it a bit of spice and pizazz! 

4. Read

This word is special because it means the same thing in context but the way you say it indicates either past tense or present. The present tense version of “read” means to utter aloud, as in “I am going to read you this story right now”. 

The other option, “read”, is pronounced like the color red. It means to have already studied or read aloud. 

5. Letter

A letter can be a written note typically delivered via email or the symbols we use to make up words. To illustrate, “I wrote a letter to my brother while he was away at war”.

6. Nail

A nail is a protective layer of hard skin on your fingers and on most other mammals such as gorillas or cats. Some prefer to paint their nails to give them some spunk!  

On the other hand, a nail could be a piece of metal used to keep two objects together. Nails are used to secure paintings to the wall or piece together bits of furniture. 

7. Bat

A bat is a nocturnal bird-like animal, while the other type of bat is a wooden object used to hit a baseball.

8. Fly

In the sentence, “I will fly a plane someday” the word “fly” is used as a verb. Whereas, if I say “That tiny buzzing fly landed on my fresh food while I was eating”, I’m using the word fly as a noun. 

These are only some of the most frequently used homonyms out of many.

What are homophones?

Homophones are words that are spelled differently and have different meanings but sound the same. Below are some of the most common ones:

1. One vs won

You might have one single pet or you may have won your last basketball game. One is a single unit of something and won is a victory.

2. Aloud vs allowed

Do you have kids? If so, let’s say you’ve put this rule into place: you aren’t allowed to eat chocolate ice cream before bed. The word allowed in this sentence means not permitted. 

In contrast, the word aloud means to be audible. For instance, “the teacher assigned Juliet to read chapter 8 of Charlotte’s Web aloud”. 

3. Affect vs effect

Affect means to make a difference. Effect on the other hand is a result. These words go hand in hand because to be affected means to have an effect. Let me clarify with an example. 

Amanda wondered if Crest White Strips would affect her teeth.

Crest White Strips had the promised effect on Amanda’s teeth. 

4. Here vs hear

Can you guess the difference between the meaning given these two sentences?

• Can you come over here and help me fix this sink?
• I can’t hear what you said because I’m too far away.

In the first sentence, “here” suggests a location, and the person who needs help is in a different place than the person they need help from. 

You’ll notice in the second statement, “hear” suggests he or she cannot perceive what is being said because of the distance. 

5. Buy vs by vs bye

Did you just sing the “Bye Bye Bye” NSYNC song in your head? Yeah, me too. The “bye” used in that song implies a farewell greeting and is short for goodbye. Use the word “buy” when you need to purchase something and the word “by” to refer to a location. Let me further explain with a couple of sample sentences:

• I got back on the plane and said bye to my boyfriend after a lovely trip together.
• I had to buy some fresh oranges from the store.
• Can you get her purse? It’s right by the door. 

6. Your vs you’re

“You’re” is a contraction of the words “you are”. A contraction is a select group of words that are shortened and replaced with an apostrophe. A good way to see if you should use your or you’re is to revert to “you are” instead of “you’re” and see if it makes sense in the sentence. 

For example, which sentence sounds correct:

• Is that your coat over there?
• Is that you are (you’re) coat over there?

The first one, right!? The one your in the first sentence symbolizes belonging. What belonged to the person? The coat belonged to the person. 

7. Ate vs eight

I ate pizza for dinner. Here, the word ate means to consume and is the past tense version of eat. The other version, eight, is the number after seven and before nine. 

8. Eye vs I

An eye is the body part you use to see the world, while “I” is a pronoun that’s used when you’re talking about yourself. Here are some examples:

• I was running late for my date because there was a traffic jam.
• I saw the magic trick with my very own eyes.

Words, phrases, and expressions can have different meanings in different contexts. The study of these different meanings is known as semantics. This branch of study examines four qualities of word meaning – denotative, figurative, metaphorical, and connotative – which will be described below.

Denotation – The definition of a word that we find in the dictionary, its literal or direct meaning, is known as its denotative meaning. Have a look at the following words, listed with their denotative meanings:

• bat : (noun) a small mammal with wings that sleeps during the day
• snake : (noun) a long, scaly reptile without legs that sometimes carries venom
• slim : (adj) slender or thin

Figurative meaning – When words are used metaphorically as “figures of speech,” they have figurative meaning. Figures of speech are widely used in English. Take a look at the following examples of figurative meaning:

• I told you a million times to stop doing that! (to tell many times)
• I’m so hungry I could eat a cow. (to be very hungry)
• That cost me an arm and a leg! (to be very expensive)
• He was as brave as a lion. (to be very brave)
• Sitting through that class was like watching paint dry. (class was very boring and slow)

Words with Multiple Meanings

How many times have you opened a dictionary to look up a word, and discovered that the word has only one meaning listed beside it? Essentially never, right? Almost every word in the English language has multiple meanings and may function as multiple parts of speech.

For example:

rose

• It’s time to prune the rose bush. (adjective)
• I gave the dancer a rose. (noun)
• I rose from the bench and walked home. (verb)

part

• I like to part my hair neatly. (verb)
• She only read one part of the book. (noun)
• My mom is Kenyan, so I am part Kenyan. (adjective)

Words with multiple meanings often fall into one of the two categories:

• Homonyms – Words with the same spelling and pronunciation but different meanings.
• Homographs – Words with the same spelling, but different pronunciation and different meanings.

Take a look at the lists of homonyms and homographs below.

Homonyms

crane:

• Cranes are beautiful birds. (noun – bird)
• The crane was used to lift the steel bars to the top of the building. (noun – machine)
• She had to crane her neck to see the movie. (verb – stretch out)

date:

• Dried dates are one of the most delicious snacks. (noun – fruit)
• Diego went out on a date last Saturday. (noun – social appointment)
• What date is Thanksgiving this year? (noun – day of the month)

engaged:

• My brother got engaged to his girlfriend this weekend. (adjective – agree to marry)
• The teacher chose very engaging topics to keep the students interested. (adjective – appealing)

leaves:

• The leaves change colors in autumn. (noun – from trees)
• My dad eats cereal every day before he leaves for work. (verb – present)

point:

• The knife has a sharp point. (noun – tip of an object)
• Can you point to the person you saw stealing? (verb – hand gesture)

right:

• You were right about the weather; it’s been pouring rain all day. (adjective – correct)
• Take a right at the next traffic light. (adjective – direction)

Homographs

read:

• I read books before I go to sleep. (present tense)
• He read a book last night before he went to sleep. (past tense)

minute:

• Our problems seem minute compared to those who face war and uncertainty on a daily basis. (adjective – small)
• Stir for a minute and then turn the heat down on the stove. (noun – 60 seconds)

learned:

• We learned how to use the present perfect continuous in class last week. (verb – past)
• My teacher is a very learned individual who went to Oxford. (adjective – educated)

does:

• He does his homework in the morning before school starts. (verb – present)
• The hunters were chasing does in the forest. (noun – female deer)

wind:

• The wind blew all the chairs over in the backyard. (noun – moving air)
• Make sure you wind up the clock after you put the turkey in the oven. (verb – present)

Connotations

Connotations are the feelings, associations, and ideas that certain words invoke beyond their literal or primary definition. These are often culturally based.

Connotations can be negative, positive, or neutral. For example:

• childish: The way he acted at dinner was childish and silly.
• woman: I know that woman over by the bar.
• stunning: The dress that she wore to the dinner party was stunning.

The first example, “childish,” has a negative connotation which implies that the person in question acted immaturely. Saying that an adult is acting “childishly” is not a compliment, but is rather insulting, connoting a lack of maturity, responsibility, and wisdom. If an adult is described as “childlike,” however, the connotation is positive.

The second example, “woman,” has a neutral connotation, implying nothing more than the fact that the person in question is female. The word does not imply that she is intelligent, unintelligent, good-hearted, mean-spirited, or anything else. In effect, neutral connotations are better thought of as not having connotation so much as simple, literal meaning.

The last example, “stunning,” has a positive connotation, implying that the dress is beautiful or gorgeous, which can only be interpreted as complimentary.

Here are some more examples of negative, positive, and neutral connotations:

• cheap – (negative) a person who does not like to spend money.
• thrifty – (positive) a person who is careful with money.
• young – (neutral) a person who is of a young age.
• youthful – (positive) a person who may not be young, but has all the good qualities of youth.
• childish – (negative) a person who behaves like a child in a negative way.
• thin – (neutral) a body size that is the opposite of fat.
• slim – (positive) a body size which is thin and also healthy and elegant.
• skinny – (negative) a body size which is so thin as to appear unhealthy.
• inactive – (neutral) doing nothing.
• laid-back – (positive) to have a relaxed attitude.
• lazy – (negative) avoiding work and effort

False Friends

False friends are pairs of words or phrases in two languages that look or sound alike but have significantly different meanings. These types of words present a problem for native speakers of Romance (Latin-based) languages such as French, Spanish, Italian, Romanian, and Portuguese.

There are numerous false friends which are broken into three wide-ranging categories:

1. Words with a common root but which have evolved different meanings over time:

actuel (French for “current“) – actual (English for “true“)

1. Words that appear similar but are entirely unrelated to each other:

pain (French for “bread“) – pain (English for “physical suffering“)

1. Words with a common root, but alternate meanings :

porc (French for “pig” and “pig meat”) – pork (English for only “pig meat”)

These similarities result in students using words they assume to be the similar to words in their native language, but which might be quite different. This leads to errors in speaking and writing, and confusion in listening and reading.

Take a look at some common “false friend” confusions by Spanish, French, and Finnish EFL students:

1. asistir (Spanish for “to attend/be present“) – assist (English for “to help“)
2. avertissement (French for “warning/caution“) – advertisement (English for “public announcement“)
3. harmonikka (Finnish for “accordion“) – harmonica (English for “harmonica“)