Multiple-Meaning Words
Learning Objectives
In this lesson, you will focus on the following objective: Understanding multiple-meaning words.
Multiple-Meaning Words
Vocabulary Term
A multiple-meaning word is a word that has two or more meanings.
Literature Connection
The second sentence in this quotation includes two multiple-meaning words.
“She sat on the opposite seat, away from the window, facing her mother. They were both in severe and poor mourning clothes.”
—Gabriel García Márquez, from “Tuesday Siesta”
Severe can mean either “plain” or “harshly judgmental”; and poor can mean “pitiable,” “humble,” or “poverty-stricken.” From the context, the surrounding text, readers conclude that the women’s clothes were plain and humble.
Examples
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| plain | n. flat, treeless land adj. simple and unadorned adj. evident |
The plain stretched, unbroken, into the distance. They were plain and simple people. The priest’s embarrassment was plain to them. |
| still | adv. yet adj. quiet and unmoving v. to calm |
They still had not reached the station. During the siesta, the whole town was still. The rabbi stilled the woman’s fears. |
| train | n. connected line of railroad cars n. trailing part of a dress v. to teach or instruct |
The woman took a train to visit her aunt. The bride’s gown had a long, intricate train. She trained her puppy to be obedient. |
Multiple-Meaning Words Quiz
Choose the correct definition for the multiple-meaning word in each sentence. Consult a dictionary if you need help.