Definition

Describing a word or phrase that has multiple meanings or interpretations.

Example

The word 'bank' is polysemic because it can refer to a financial institution or the side of a river.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how the word 'bank' can be polysemic?

Yeah, it can mean a financial institution or the side of a river.

Exactly! It's interesting how one word can have so many meanings.

Totally, language can be really complex like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polysemic → It is formed from "poly-" (from Greek "polus", meaning many) and "semēion" (meaning sign). The word "polysemic" refers to a word that has many meanings or signs associated with it.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') meanings or 'signs' ('semēion') that a single word can have — that's what polysemic means.

Visually Confused Words