Polyseme: meaning, definitions and examples

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polyseme

 

[ หˆpษ’lษชsiหm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

linguistics terms

A polyseme is a single word that has multiple meanings or senses, which can be related by metaphorical extension. For example, the word 'bank' can refer to the financial institution as well as the side of a river. Polysemy is common in natural languages, allowing for nuanced expression and creativity in communication.

Synonyms

multivocality, polysemy, semantic variation

Examples of usage

  • The word 'bat' is a polyseme with meanings related to both a flying mammal and a piece of sports equipment.
  • Understanding polysemes is crucial for deciphering context in literature.
  • In linguistics, the study of polysemes helps in comprehending how language evolves.
  • The term 'mouse' is a polyseme, describing both an animal and a computer device.

Translations

Translations of the word "polyseme" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น polisemia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคนเฅเคชเคฐเค•เคคเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Polysemie

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ polisemi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพะปั–ัะตะผั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ polisemia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅคš็พฉ่ชž

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท polysรฉmie

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ polisemia

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท polisemik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‹ค์˜์–ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุนุฏุฏ ุงู„ู…ุนุงู†ูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ polysemie

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ polysemia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅคšไน‰่ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ polisemija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ margtรญtt orรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะพะปะธัะตะผะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒแƒšแƒ˜แƒกแƒ”แƒ›แƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ polisemiyalฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ polisemia

Word origin

The term 'polyseme' derives from the Greek word 'polus,' meaning 'many,' and 'semainล,' meaning 'to signify.' The concept has been a part of linguistic studies since the early 20th century, with scholars exploring the complexities of meaning in language. Polysemy challenges the notion of fixed meanings, showcasing the dynamism of language and the interplay between context, culture, and cognition. As languages evolve, polysemes illustrate the adaptability of communication, allowing speakers to convey various ideas through a single word. This phenomenon highlights the richness of language and its ability to capture multifaceted human experiences and thoughts. Polysemy continues to be a focal point in semantics, providing insights into word usage and the evolution of language.