polysemy
One word, many senses
Polysemy is the linguistic phenomenon where a single word has multiple related meanings.
Unlike homonyms, which are different words that happen to share spelling, polysemous words branch from a common core sense.
The word *bank* meaning riverbank and *bank* meaning financial institution are homonyms, but the financial bank's various meanings—the institution, the building, the act of depositing—are polysemy.
Most common English words are polysemous to some degree.
Sameness of meaning
- antonymyOpposite-meaning word relationship
- metonymySubstituting associated name
- lexemeFundamental dictionary unit
- morphemeSmallest meaningful language unit
lexical · lexicology · etymology · neologism · collocation · phraseology · signifier · signified
Identically spelled distinct words
- homophonesIdentically pronounced words
- metaphorImplied identity comparison
- idiomFixed phrase, opaque meaning
- punsJokes using sound similarities
Several distinct senses
- double-entendreWords with suggestive second meaning
- equivocalUncertain in meaning
- vaguenessAbsence of precision
- indeterminateNot exactly known
equivocation · unclear · disambiguation · interpretive · nuance · layered meaning
synonymy
Sameness of meaning
- antonymyOpposite-meaning word relationship
- metonymySubstituting associated name
- lexemeFundamental dictionary unit
morpheme · lexical · lexicology · etymology · neologism · collocation · phraseology · signifier · signified · denotation
homographs
Identically spelled distinct words
- homophonesIdentically pronounced words
- metaphorImplied identity comparison
- idiomFixed phrase, opaque meaning
puns · bank · crane · spring · bat · mouse · run · set · head · light
multiple meanings
Several distinct senses
- double-entendreWords with suggestive second meaning
- equivocalUncertain in meaning
- vaguenessAbsence of precision
indeterminate · equivocation · unclear · disambiguation · interpretive · nuance · layered meaning