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.
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?
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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.
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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)
With new words being added to the dictionary on an annual basis, the English language is always evolving. And in addition to the new words that are added every year, there are also new definitions that get tacked on to previous entries based on the way word usage changes. For instance, while the word bully today describes someone with a mean spirit, it actually used to mean something much sweeter. And while you can use the word girl to clearly describe a young female these days, that wasn’t always the case. To update your language knowledge, we’ve rounded up the everyday words that once meant something else. And for more tidbits about the English language, check out the 20 Words You Won’t Believe Are in the Dictionary Now.
Nowadays, if you say something is awful, you’re not being kind. However, in the past, it was actually a term that people used to praise things, seeing as it literally meant that someone or something was «worthy of awe.» As awful became more negative, the word awesome largely replaced it in terms of its original meaning.
Centuries ago, the term cheater was used to describe the royal officers who looked after the king’s escheats, or the land he acquired when someone died without a legal heir. However, because of the shady ways these officers went about their jobs, the word «cheater» eventually became synonymous with someone who lies, tricks, and defrauds—and this is how we define the word today. And for more terms that have changed, check out the 60 Words People Pronounce Differently Across America.
In the 1300s, people who were naughty had naught, or «nothing.» In other words, they were poor. But nowadays, the word is used to describe someone not as poor, but as evil or improper.
The original meaning of nice used to be, well, not so nice. The adjective actually comes from the Latin word «nescius,» meaning «unaware» or «ignorant.» When it was picked up by the English language in the early 1300s, it described a «stupid, ignorant, or foolish» person. Ouch!
Flirting with someone in today’s sense is what most people would consider to be flattering. If you were to flirt with someone based on the word’s original meaning, then what you’d be doing is less sweet and more savage. In the 1500s, this term was actually used to describe a quick motion or jerk—something like a flick. And for more word facts, check out 5 Words to Ditch From Your Vocabulary ASAP, Experts Say.
When someone describes something as egregious, they are trying to say that it stands out—and not in a good way. But when it was first coined, the word actually meant the exact opposite. According to Merriam-Webster, the adjective was once used as a compliment to describe someone «who had a remarkably good quality that placed him or her eminently above others.»
No one wants to be called a bully—unless you’re using its original meaning, that is. In the archaic sense, bully means «sweetheart,» as it was derived from the Dutch word for lover.
The word silly has seen quite a few definitions throughout history. Derived from Old English, the adjective has been used over the years to mean everything from «happy» and «fortunate» to «innocent.» Eventually, though, the word somehow became synonymous with ignorance, thus bringing us to its current meaning of «foolish.» And for more silly words, check out The 30 Funniest Words in the English Language—And How to Use Them.
When something today is described as artificial, it’s usually a far cry from what’s considered to be a masterful creation. However, that’s exactly what the adjective used to refer to. If something was artificial back in the day, it was artfully or skillfully constructed.
Being called brave is quite the praise by today’s standards. But the word’s original definition—which is «showy» or «gaudy»—is much less complimentary. And for more etymology lessons, check out 50 Words You Hear Every Day But Don’t Know What They Mean.
There are a lot of things that can make someone nervous nowadays: job interviews, talking to someone they’re attracted to, public speaking… the list goes on and on. In the 1600s, however, nervous in this context wouldn’t make sense, seeing as it was originally used to described someone who possessed great strength.
Fantastic is an adjective used to describe something that is extraordinarily good. But seeing as it was derived from the Latin word phantasticus—meaning «imaginary»—this word was originally used to describe something that only exists in the imagination. So, technically, a unicorn would be fantastic in either sense of the word!
A young female is typically referred to as a girl today. When the word was first used in the Middle Ages, however, it referred to any young person, regardless of their gender.
Guy, man, dude, fellow—they’re all monikers used to refer to the male species. But you wouldn’t want to just throw the word guy around a few centuries ago; in the 1800s, it was used to describe a person of grotesque appearance.
If someone were to give you a clue today, they would be giving you a hint about something. But when the word was first coined, someone who was giving out clues was actually giving out something more tangible: balls of yarn.
Today, fathom is just another word for «understand.» But way back when, it was used for measurement purposes and described the length of someone’s outstretched arms (about six feet!). Can you fathom that?
Manufactured, when used in its original sense, describes something that has been produced by hand. On the contrary, today people generally describe something as manufactured when it has been mass-produced in a factory by machinery.
If you’re a stylish, neatly groomed man, someone today might call you a Dapper Dan. However, if you were to use the word according to its original meaning, then this wouldn’t make sense. Seeing as it’s derived from the German word tapfer for «brave,» dapper was originally used to describe someone as bold and daring—not in their fashion choices, but in their endeavors and undertakings.
If you’re a passenger, you’re just someone who’s along for the ride. But the original meaning of the word passenger is someone who is traveling, fleeting, or just passing by, typically by foot.
The term pretty is derived from various words in other languages that meant «cunning,» «tricky,» and «skillful»—and therefore, it makes sense that the adjective was originally used to describe a sly person. But nowadays, it’s used to positively describe someone’s appearance rather than their deceitfulness.
Radical is an adjective used to describe anything extreme that shakes up the fundamental nature of something, and it’s typically employed in regards to social or political activism. However, the word actually comes from the Latin word for «rooted,» and it was once used to describe the opposite of extreme: something rooted, basic, and fundamental.
It’s no fun being sad or unhappy. But it wouldn’t have been such a bad thing a long time ago. In Old English, to be sad meant to be satisfied or content, usually in regards to feeling full from a meal.
It’s a good thing to have success nowadays. But in earlier times, it could go either way, seeing as success originally described both positive and negative outcomes alike.
You know a villain as any evil person, typically in a movie, novel, or play. But in Old English, this word simply referred to anybody who worked on a country estate, such as a farm laborer.
The original meaning of the word terrible is similar to its definition today, only way more extreme. When you described something as terrible back in the day, it meant that it caused genuine fits of terror; today, people use it to describe anything that’s mildly bad—even a terrible movie. And for more words you should probably stop using, Cut These 20 Negative Words from Your Life and Be Instantly Happier.
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.
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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.