Polyseme: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ค
polyseme
[ หpษlษชsiหm ]
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:
๐ต๐น polisemia
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเคนเฅเคชเคฐเคเคคเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Polysemie
๐ฎ๐ฉ polisemi
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะพะปััะตะผัั
๐ต๐ฑ polisemia
๐ฏ๐ต ๅค็พฉ่ช
๐ซ๐ท polysรฉmie
๐ช๐ธ polisemia
๐น๐ท polisemik
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ค์์ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุนุฏุฏ ุงูู ุนุงูู
๐จ๐ฟ polysemie
๐ธ๐ฐ polysemia
๐จ๐ณ ๅคไน่ฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ polisemija
๐ฎ๐ธ margtรญtt orรฐ
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฟะพะปะธัะตะผะธั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแกแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ polisemiyalฤฑ
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.