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Multiple Meaning Words (Polysemy)

Introduction

Many English words have more than one meaning depending on their usage in a sentence. This is called polysemy. For example, the word “right” can mean correct, direction, or privilege depending on context. Understanding polysemous words helps you avoid confusion and choose the most accurate synonym or antonym in context.

This pattern is common in exams testing vocabulary-in-context such as SSC, Bank PO, and CAT verbal sections.

Pattern: Multiple Meaning Words (Polysemy)

Pattern

The key concept is: The same word can have multiple meanings - the correct synonym or antonym depends on its usage in the sentence.

For instance, “light” can mean “not heavy” (physical weight) or “illumination” (brightness). So, the meaning changes depending on context - not all synonyms of “light” work for every sentence.

Step-by-Step Example

Question

Choose the synonym of “sound” in the sentence:
“He gave sound advice.”

Options: (A) Loud (B) Sensible (C) Clear (D) Vibrating

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the word and its possible meanings

    The word “sound” can mean noise, vibration, or being reliable and in good condition depending on the context.

  2. Step 2: Understand the contextual meaning

    In this sentence, “sound advice” refers to reliable, reasonable, or wise advice - not something related to noise or hearing.

  3. Step 3: Match with the most appropriate synonym

    Among the options, “Sensible” best fits the meaning of logical or wise advice.

  4. Final Answer:

    Sensible → Option B

  5. Quick Check:

    Replace in sentence → “He gave sensible advice.” → The sentence still makes perfect sense ✅

Quick Variations

1. Words with 2-3 meanings depending on part of speech (e.g., “train” - noun: vehicle; verb: teach).

2. Same spelling, different senses (e.g., “bank” - river bank vs. financial institution).

3. Meaning identified from context clues in a sentence.

4. Used in synonym/antonym or analogy questions in verbal sections.

Trick to Always Use

  • Step 1: Read the full sentence carefully to understand context.
  • Step 2: Recall all possible meanings of the word.
  • Step 3: Match the meaning that fits the sentence - ignore literal sense if needed.
  • Step 4: Eliminate options that fit other meanings of the word but not the one used.

Summary

Summary

In the Multiple Meaning Words (Polysemy) pattern:

  • Context determines the correct meaning.
  • Words can function as different parts of speech (noun/verb/adjective).
  • Be careful - a familiar meaning might not fit the sentence.
  • Always test the meaning by substitution to ensure it makes sense in the given context.

Practice

(1/5)
1. Choose the correct meaning of the word 'bark' in the sentence: “The dog began to bark loudly.”
easy
A. Sound made by a dog
B. Outer covering of a tree
C. Command sharply
D. A loud knock

Solution

  1. Step 1: Recognize possible meanings

    The word ‘bark’ has multiple meanings - the sound a dog makes, or the outer layer of a tree.

  2. Step 2: Understand the context

    Here the subject is a dog and the verb describes a sound, so it refers to the animal noise.

  3. Step 3: Select the most fitting meaning

    Therefore the correct meaning is ‘Sound made by a dog’.

  4. Final Answer:

    Sound made by a dog → Option A

  5. Quick Check:

    “The dog barked loudly.” → Clearly the animal sound meaning ✅
Hint: If the subject is an animal, prefer the animal-related meaning.
Common Mistakes: Picking the tree-covering meaning without checking the subject.
2. Identify the meaning of 'bank' in the sentence: “He went to the bank to withdraw money.”
easy
A. A financial institution
B. Edge of a river
C. To rely on something
D. A storage place for data

Solution

  1. Step 1: List all meanings of 'bank'

    ‘Bank’ can mean a financial institution, the edge of a river, or be used as a verb (to rely or tilt).

  2. Step 2: Analyze the sentence clue

    The phrase ‘withdraw money’ directly signals the financial sense.

  3. Step 3: Choose the correct sense

    So it refers to ‘a financial institution’.

  4. Final Answer:

    A financial institution → Option A

  5. Quick Check:

    “He withdrew money from the bank.” → Confirms the financial meaning ✅
Hint: Money-related verbs (withdraw, deposit) → financial bank.
Common Mistakes: Confusing with ‘river bank’ when not reading context.
3. Find the correct meaning of 'light' in the sentence: “She carried a light bag to school.”
easy
A. Brightness
B. Not heavy
C. To ignite
D. Source of energy

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify word’s possible meanings

    ‘Light’ can mean illumination or refer to weight (not heavy).

  2. Step 2: Examine the context

    Because it modifies ‘bag’, the intended sense is about weight, not brightness.

  3. Step 3: Choose the appropriate meaning

    Thus, it means ‘Not heavy’.

  4. Final Answer:

    Not heavy → Option B

  5. Quick Check:

    “A light bag” = “a bag that is not heavy.” ✅
Hint: If adjective describes an object’s weight, choose the weight sense of 'light'.
Common Mistakes: Defaulting to brightness without checking the noun it describes.
4. Choose the correct meaning of 'right' in the sentence: “Everyone has the right to vote.”
medium
A. Correct
B. Opposite of left
C. Privilege
D. Direction

Solution

  1. Step 1: Recognize possible meanings

    ‘Right’ can mean correct, a direction, or a legal/moral entitlement.

  2. Step 2: Understand the phrase context

    In the phrase ‘the right to vote’, it clearly denotes an entitlement or privilege.

  3. Step 3: Determine the best fit

    Hence, the meaning is ‘Privilege’ or ‘Entitlement’.

  4. Final Answer:

    Privilege → Option C

  5. Quick Check:

    “Everyone has the entitlement to vote.” → Same sense ✅
Hint: If 'right' is followed by 'to' + verb, it's usually an entitlement.
Common Mistakes: Mistaking it for 'correct' without reading full phrase.
5. Identify the correct meaning of 'watch' in the sentence: “He bought a new watch yesterday.”
medium
A. To look at
B. To guard
C. To observe carefully
D. A timepiece

Solution

  1. Step 1: List multiple meanings

    The word ‘watch’ can be a verb (to look at/observe) or a noun (a timepiece).

  2. Step 2: Identify the grammatical clue

    The verb ‘bought’ implies ownership of an object, so the noun meaning fits.

  3. Step 3: Select the correct meaning

    Therefore, ‘watch’ here means ‘a timepiece’.

  4. Final Answer:

    A timepiece → Option D

  5. Quick Check:

    “He bought a new watch.” → Clearly refers to purchasing a timepiece. ✅
Hint: Buying/owning verbs → object sense (timepiece) for 'watch'.
Common Mistakes: Interpreting 'watch' as a verb without checking sentence structure.

Mock Test

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