Search
Polysemy
01
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.
Example
The polysemy of the word " bank " includes meanings related to financial institutions, river edges, and inclines.
Linguists study polysemy to understand how words acquire and maintain diverse meanings across different contexts.
