Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

polysemic

Adjective
/ˌpɒlɪˈsiːmɪk/
Definition
Relating to a word or phrase that has multiple meanings or interpretations.
Examples
  • The word ‘bank’ is polysemic as it can mean the side of a river or a financial institution.
  • In literature, a polysemic expression can lead to rich interpretations and deepen the text’s meaning.
Meaning
A term used to describe a single word that can express different ideas or concepts depending on the context in which it is used.
Synonyms
  • Ambiguous
  • Multiple-meaning
  • Multivalued