Reply
Sat 3 Jul, 2010 11:16 pm
Hello. I am an amateur lexicographer, and I wonder what the noun is for a word which has multiple distinct meanings. English has many of these. "Coast" is but one. What is the noun for a word which can be both noun and verb and has a multiplicity of meanings? Greg.
@GreginOz,
Hello again. As a supplementary question,..what word has the most alternative meanings...? Greg.
Hi. Thanks for the reply. Homonym is a good answer,...but perhaps I have not asked a good question. A homonym for "set" might also be "sett", but my example of "coast" might be better illustrated by the word POLISH. Written as capitals it may be one of at least two distinct words each pronounced differently if written in upper or lower case, with different meanings for each. What name do I give to a word which, when written not spoken, has a multiplicity of meanings? Another example of a verb and a noun pair is "rose".
@GreginOz,
Quote:What is the noun for a word which can be both noun and verb and has a multiplicity of meanings
Homonym.
Quote:As a supplementary question,..what word has the most alternative meanings
Set.
Have you considered posting in the philosophy forums?
Stumble It!
Tweet This
Bookmark on Delicious
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace