In the English language, POLYSEMOUS WORDS are single words or phrases with multiple, conceptually related meanings that share a common root or origin.
Key characteristics of these words are:
- Definition: Originating from the Greek poly (many) and sema (sign), these words have many senses.
- Relationship: Meanings are connected logically or historically, often expanding from a core concept.
Here are some Polysemous Words which are being used regularly with their different meanings:
1 Run: a) Move quickly on foot, b) Operate (run a machine), c) Manage (run a company).
2 Set: a) Put in place, b) Group of items, c) fixed or established.
3 Get: a) Receive, b) understand, c) arrive.
4 Make: a) Create, b) Cause, c) earn
5 Take: a) Grab, b require (take time), c) Accept.
6 Break: a) Separate into pieces, b) Pause (tea break), c) Violate (break a rule)
7 Turn: a) Rotate, b) Change direction, c) Become (turn red).
8 Open: a) Not closed, b) Available, c) Start (open a meeting)
9 Light: a) Illumination, b) Not heavy, c) Ignite.
10 Close: a) shut, b) Near, c) Intimate (close friend).
11 Point: a) Sharp end, b) Direction, c) Score.
12 Right: a) Correct, b) Direction, c) Entitlement.
13 Left: a) Direction, b) Remaining, c) Departed.
14 Mean: a) Intend, b) Signify, c) Unkind.
15 Change: a) Alter, b) Coins/money, c) switch clothes.
16 Play: a) Engage in activity, b) Theatrical performance, c) Operate media.
17 Work: a) Employment, b) Function, c) Effort.
18 Watch: a) Observe, b) Timepiece.
19 Head: a) Body part, b) Leader, c) Top/front.
20 Face: a) Front of head, b) Confront, c) Surface.
21 Line: a) Queue, b) Mark, c) Boundary.
22 Drive: a) Operate a vehicle, b) Motivation, c) Trip.
23 Check: a) Verify, b) Examine, c) Bill (restaurant).
24 Match: a) Contest, b) Pair, c) Small flame stick.
25 Field: a) Open land, b) Academic area, c) Respond to (field questions).
26 Case: a) Situation, b) Container, c) Legal matter.
27 Issue: a) Problem, b) publish/distribute, c) Edition.
28 Deal: a) Agreement, b) Distribute cards, c) Amount (a big deal), d) Cope with.
29 Charge: a) Price, b) Accuse, c) Power (battery).
30 Clear: a) Obvious, b) Remove obstacle, c) Transparent.
31 Drop: a) Fall, b) decrease, c) Abandon.
32 Cover: a) Place over, b) Protect, c) Include.
33 Move: a) Change position, b) relocate home, c) Emotional reaction.
34 Fix: Repair, b) prepare (food), c) Solve.
35 Mind: a) Brain, b) Care/attention, c) Object (Do you mind?).
36 Call: a) Phone, b) Name, c) Decision
37 Sound: a) Noise, b) Appear/seem, c) Healthy (safe and sound)
38 Order: a) Command, b) Sequence, c) Purchase request.
39 Stage: a) Platform, b) Phase, c) Perform.
40 Lead: a) Guide, b) Advantage, c) metal (pronounced differently)
41 Record: a) Document, b) Best achievement, c) Store audio.
42 Address: a) Location, b) Speak to, c) Handle (address an issue)
43 Draw: a) Sketch, b) Attract, c) Tie (sports)
44 Handle: a) Manage, b) Touch/grip, c) Part of an object.
45 Paper: a) Material, b) Newspaper, c) School assignment.
46 Eye: a) Body part, b) hurricane center, c) Needle opening.
47 Rock: a) Stone, b) Music style, c) To sway.
48 Leaf: a) Plant part, b) Page, c) Fold-out flap.
49 Key: a) Lock opener, b) Musical note, crucial element.
50 Drill: a) Tool, b) Practice, c) Routine.
51 Seal: a) Animal, b) official stamp, c) Close tightly.
52 Current: a) Flow of water, b) Electricity, c) Happening now.
53 Board: a) Plank, b) Committee, c) Meal provision.
54 Back: a) Body part, b) Return, c) Support ( I am backing you).
55 Leg: a) Body part, b) Journey segment, c) Furniture support.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
26th February 2026