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JJ.1 Learn multiple-meaning words

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What Are Multiple Meaning Words?

Multiple meaning words are words that have more than one meaning. The meaning changes depending on how the word is used in a sentence.

Examples:
  • Bat – A bat can fly at night. / I swing a bat in baseball.
  • Ring – I wear a gold ring. / The phone will ring soon.
Helpful Hint

To understand the meaning of the word, look carefully at the other words in the sentence.

Using Pictures in Your Mind

When you see a word with more than one meaning, imagine a picture in your mind for each meaning. This helps you choose the right meaning for the sentence.

Examples:
  • Bark – The dog will bark loudly. / The tree has rough bark.
  • Fly – A bird can fly. / There is a fly on the table.
Helpful Hint

Think about which picture makes sense with the sentence you are reading.

Looking for Clues

Clues in the sentence help you figure out which meaning is correct. These clues are called context clues.

Examples:
  • Park – We will park the car in the driveway. / Let’s play at the park.
  • Light – Please turn on the light. / The bag is very light to carry.
Helpful Hint

Read the whole sentence. The words around the multiple meaning word tell you which meaning fits best.

Practicing Multiple Meaning Words

The more you practice, the easier it will be to know which meaning a word has. Try reading, writing, and speaking with multiple meaning words.

Examples:
  • Bat – The bat is flying. → Animal. / I hit the ball with a bat. → Sports tool.
  • Bark – The dog’s bark is loud. → Sound. / The tree’s bark is rough. → Outer covering.
  • Ring – She wears a diamond ring. → Jewelry. / The bell will ring soon. → Sound.
Helpful Hint

Try making two different sentences with the same word. This will help you understand both meanings.

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