<P> A polyseme is a word or phrase with different , but related senses . Since the test for polysemy is the vague concept of relatedness , judgments of polysemy can be difficult to make . Because applying pre-existing words to new situations is a natural process of language change , looking at words ' etymology is helpful in determining polysemy but not the only solution ; as words become lost in etymology , what once was a useful distinction of meaning may no longer be so . Some apparently unrelated words share a common historical origin , however , so etymology is not an infallible test for polysemy , and dictionary writers also often defer to speakers ' intuitions to judge polysemy in cases where it contradicts etymology . English has many polysemous words . For example , the verb `` to get '' can mean `` procure '' ( I 'll get the drinks ) , `` become '' ( she got scared ) , `` understand '' ( I get it ) etc . </P>
<P> A polyseme is a word or phrase with different , but related senses . Since the test for polysemy is the vague concept of relatedness , judgments of polysemy can be difficult to make . Because applying pre-existing words to new situations is a natural process of language change , looking at words ' etymology is helpful in determining polysemy but not the only solution ; as words become lost in etymology , what once was a useful distinction of meaning may no longer be so . Some apparently unrelated words share a common historical origin , however , so etymology is not an infallible test for polysemy , and dictionary writers also often defer to speakers ' intuitions to judge polysemy in cases where it contradicts etymology . English has many polysemous words . For example , the verb `` to get '' can mean `` procure '' ( I 'll get the drinks ) , `` become '' ( she got scared ) , `` understand '' ( I get it ) etc . </P>
term for a word that has two meanings
term for a word that has two meanings
polyseme
polyseme