Polysemy

What are polysemous words? Is it easy to understand someone if they say 'did you get the bat?' Polysemy refers to a single word with more than one meaningThe multiple meanings are listed under one entry in a dictionary. An example of polysemy is the word dish. If we took a look at the dictionary we see that dish has multiple definitions, or polysemous meanings, under one entry:

Get started

Millions of flashcards designed to help you ace your studies

Sign up for free

Need help?
Meet our AI Assistant

Upload Icon

Create flashcards automatically from your own documents.

   Upload Documents
Upload Dots

FC Phone Screen

Need help with
Polysemy?
Ask our AI Assistant

Review generated flashcards

Sign up for free
You have reached the daily AI limit

Start learning or create your own AI flashcards

StudySmarter Editorial Team

Team Polysemy Teachers

  • 11 minutes reading time
  • Checked by StudySmarter Editorial Team
Save Article Save Article
Contents
Contents

Jump to a key chapter

    Frequently Asked Questions about Polysemy

    What does polysemy mean?

    Polysemy refers to a single word with more than one related meaning. The multiple meanings are listed under one dictionary entry.

    What are some examples of polysemy?

    Some examples of polysemy are get - receive, bring, move / travel; bank - of a river / canal, a place to deposit money, a slope; and light - of colors, not heavy, not serious.

    What's the difference between polysemy and monosemy?

     Monosemy is the opposite of polysemy. Monosemy refers to a word that has one meaning only.

    What's the difference between polysemy and homonymy?

    Polysemy illustrates a single word with many related meanings (one dictionary entry), eg, get - receive, bring, travel / move. Homonymy is about words that have different meanings and multiple dictionary entries but are spelled and / or pronounced the same, eg rose - a flower & increased.

    What's the difference between polysemy and hyponymy?

    Polysemy explains a word (under one dictionary entry) with more than one related meaning (eg get - receive, bring, travel / move). Hyponymy describes a super- and subordinate relationship between words (eg dog - poodle, labrador, pomeranian).

    Save Article

    Test your knowledge with multiple choice flashcards

    Homonym is a ______ term.

    True or false - Dogs, labrador, poodle, and husky illustrate a polysemous relationship.

    True or false - Monosemy is a word that has one meaning only.

    Next

    Discover learning materials with the free StudySmarter app

    Sign up for free
    1
    About StudySmarter

    StudySmarter is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.

    Learn more
    StudySmarter Editorial Team

    Team English Teachers

    • 11 minutes reading time
    • Checked by StudySmarter Editorial Team
    Save Explanation Save Explanation

    Study anywhere. Anytime.Across all devices.

    Sign-up for free

    Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free.

    Join over 22 million students in learning with our StudySmarter App

    The first learning app that truly has everything you need to ace your exams in one place

    • Flashcards & Quizzes
    • AI Study Assistant
    • Study Planner
    • Mock-Exams
    • Smart Note-Taking
    Join over 22 million students in learning with our StudySmarter App
    Sign up with Email