polysemy
adjective C2
Plain meaning
the fact that a word has several related meanings
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe the fact that a word has several related meanings, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalHis response sounded polysemy, so the conversation became difficult.
examThe passage presents a polysemy assessment of the policy’s wider consequences.
Common collocations
a polysemy responsepolysemy behavioura polysemy situation
Watch out
Do not use “very polysemy” automatically; some advanced adjectives already carry a strong meaning or need a more natural intensifier.
Word family