Polysemous Words in English

In all languages, some words have more than one meaning; technically they are called Polysemous words. Polysemous words have several numbered definitions in a dictionary. The following examples will help you extend your vocabulary by recognizing different meanings for some of the words.

Depressed

1. Do you feel depressed during the winter months. (Very sad)

2. It's hard to find a job when the economy is depressed. (at a low level)

Established

1. Judith Viorst established various categories of friendship. (determined, identified)

2. That proximity leads to friendship is one of the most firmly established findings in the literature on interpersonal attraction. (determined, identified)

3. They established the publishing company in 1959. (Began)

Identify

1. We identify with our friends. (feel connected to, share or understand the feelings of)

2. The survey identified the critical factors in friendships. (found, revealed, indicated)

3. The witness identified the thief. (selected, picked out)

Involve

1. Friendships involve rights and obligations. (Include)

2. In the 1960s many young people were involved in the Civil Rights Movement. (Connected to, had a part in)

3. How many people were involved in the crime? (connected to, had a part in)

Maintain

1. Psychologists maintain that people who are similar become friends. (state, say).

2. It is wonderful to maintain old friendships. (Keep in good condition)