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Polysemy
01
多义性, 多义词
the phenomenon in language where a single word has multiple related meanings or senses
What is "polysemy"?
Polysemy is the phenomenon where a single word has multiple related meanings. For example, the word "light" can refer to something that is not heavy or to the brightness from a source like the sun or a lamp. Unlike homonyms, where meanings are unrelated, polysemous words have meanings that share a common origin or connection. Polysemy is important in language because it shows how words can develop different uses over time while maintaining a link to their original meaning, adding flexibility and richness to communication.
polysemy
n
例子
The richness of language arises in part from polysemy, allowing for layers of meaning and nuances in communication.
Ambiguity can sometimes arise from polysemy, requiring context or additional information for accurate interpretation.
Linguists study polysemy to understand how words acquire and maintain diverse meanings across different contexts.
