Key Features of Polysemy
1. Single Word, Multiple Meanings:- A polysemous word has multiple senses, which are typically related in some way.
- Example: The word head:
Head of an organization (leader).
Head of a bed (top end).
2. Relationship Between Meanings:
Meanings often share a conceptual or metaphorical link.
Example: Bright:
Refers to intense light.
Refers to intelligence metaphorically.
3. Context-Dependent Interpretation:
- The specific meaning is determined by the sentence or situation.
- Example: Bank:
Side of a river (e.g., "The river bank is lush with trees").
Examples of Polysemy
| Word | Meanings |
|---|---|
| Book | A set of written pages (noun), or to arrange for someone to stay at a hotel (verb). |
| Run | To move swiftly on foot, to operate (a machine), or a continuous sequence (e.g., a run of bad luck). |
| Key | A tool for opening locks, an essential element (e.g., the key to success), or musical pitch (e.g., key of C). |
| Light | Opposite of heavy (weight), or brightness (illumination). |
| Foot | A body part, the bottom of something (e.g., the foot of a hill), or a unit of measurement. |
Polysemy vs. Related Concepts
1. Polysemy vs. Homonymy:Polysemy: Multiple related meanings of the same word.
Example: Paper (writing material, an article in a journal).
Homonymy: Words with the same spelling or sound but unrelated meanings.
Example: Bat (flying mammal, sports equipment).
2. Polysemy vs. Synonymy:
Polysemy deals with a single word having multiple meanings.
Synonymy refers to different words having similar meanings.
Importance of Polysemy
1. Richness of Language:- Enhances language expressiveness and efficiency.
- Example: One word (e.g., run) can serve various communicative purposes.
- Context is critical to avoid ambiguity.
- Example: "I need a key." (Key to a door? A musical key? The solution?)
- Shows how people link concepts metaphorically or functionally.
- Example: Foot (body part) → foot of a mountain (bottom end).
