Definition

Describing a word that has several different meanings or interpretations.

Example

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

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how some words are really polysemous?

Yeah, like the word 'bat' can mean a flying animal or a piece of sports equipment.

Exactly! It makes language so interesting and sometimes confusing.

Totally, and it keeps us on our toes when we're learning new words.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polysemous → It is formed from "poly-" (from Greek "polus", meaning many) and "semous" (from Greek "semaino", meaning to signify or to indicate). The word describes a term that has many meanings or signifies multiple concepts.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') meanings that a word can 'signify' ('semous'). This helps you remember that 'polysemous' refers to a word with multiple meanings.

Visually Confused Words