Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
double-meaning
noun
/ˈdʌb.əl ˈmiː.nɪŋ/
Definition
A phrase or expression that has two different interpretations or meanings.
Examples
- The phrase ‘kick the bucket’ is a double-meaning expression, meaning both to physically kick a bucket or to die.
- Some jokes rely on double-meanings to create humor, where a word or phrase can be interpreted in two ways.
Meaning
Double-meaning refers to the ambiguity of a word or phrase that allows it to be understood in two distinct ways, often leading to humor or irony.
Synonyms
- Ambiguity
- Polysemy
- Dual meaning
