Words with Multiple Meanings
Most every word in the English language has more than one meaning. So how do
you figure out what the word actually means?
Tips to Determine Multiple Meanings
Remember what you learned about defining words in context? You can use many
of the same strategies to determine the correct meaning of a word in text.
1. Try substituting the suggested definition into the sentence and see if it
makes sense.
2. Notice the part of speech. If the word you are trying to define is used
as a verb, for example, the meaning you select should also be a verb,
not a noun or another part of speech.
Multiple-Meaning Words Practice Exercises
Directions: Read the selection, and then answer the questions that follow.
A Day at the Park
(1) It's a lazy Saturday. I'm happy just hanging out . . . doing nothing. Then my
little brother runs into my room and announces, "We're going to the park!"
(2) "Have fun," I reply.
(3) "No! Get up and get ready!" he whines, and pulls my arm. "Dad said we're going
to make a day of it . . . the whole family!"
(4) Dad drops us off by the park entrance and goes to park the car. I help Mom
unload the picnic basket onto a table. She's packed a huge covered plate of
sandwiches, a bowl of fruit, bags of chips, lots of cookies, and a gigantic pitcher
of iced tea. Mom always makes extra "just in case . . . ," whatever that means!
(5) "Before we eat, will you help me fly my new kite?" pleads my brother. With a
sigh, I take his hand and lead him to a good spot for flying kites. Soon the kite's
airborne and looping through the sky! Suddenly, it's harder to spot because it
floats behind a tree.
(6) "Is it lost forever?" asks my brother.
(7) "No, just hiding. There . . . see . . . it's back!" I chuckle as the kite pops back
into view.
(8) "Dude!" I hear someone behind me say. "Just the guy I was looking for!" I turn
to find Chris, one of my best friends.
(9) "I thought you went to visit your uncle this weekend!" I say.
(10) "No, he had to go away on business, so I'll catch him another time," Chris
replies. "Nice kite," he adds, "but I was hoping to play ball today."
(11) "I'm in," I answer. "We're about to stop. My brother wants Dad to push him
on a swing."
(12) So we find more friends to play ball. Suddenly, it's the last inning, the game
is tied, and I'm at bat. I see Mom waving me to come for lunch, so there's nothing
to do but hit a homer! The pitcher winds up and releases the ball. I swing, hear
the crack of the bat, and head for home plate. Then I invite the other kids to join
us for lunch . . . knowing Mom had made extra! I guess this was the "just in case!"
1. What is the meaning of the word park as used in the first paragraph?
a. leave a car in a parking lot
b. sit down
c. an open, public area of land used for recreation
d. an arctic jacket
2. Which is NOT a meaning of plate as used in the story?
a. tray
b. dish
c. marker for a base
d. coat with metal
3. Which of the following words from paragraph 5 is a multiple-meaning word?
a. pleads
b. spot
c. kite
d. before
4. The meaning of back as used in paragraph 7 is
a. "a piece connected to the seat of a chair."
b. "the opposite of front."
c. "to return."
d. "to sponsor or give money to."
The following questions do NOT relate to the passage above.
5. A thin film of soap grime covered the shower door.
Which sentence sues the word film as it is used above?
a. The film was both adventurous and funny.
b. The piano was covered with a heavy film of dust.
c. George was dismayed to find out that his camera was out of film.
d. Perhaps you should film Edith’s performance Friday night.
6. Her sound decisions made her successful in life.
Which sentence uses the word sound as it is used above?
a. “Sound the alarm!” Sarah screamed.
b. The decision was based on sound reasoning.
c. The sound of birds makes me happy.
d. Rain on a tin roof is a pleasing sound.
7. She will tear that note to shreds after she reads it.
Which sentence uses the word tear as it is used above?
a. There is a small tear in her jeans.
b. I have to be very careful not to tear my sister’s silk shirt.
c. You could see a tiny tear in his eye after he sprained his ankle.
d. She went on a tear after she found out what had happened.
8. Refer to the following definitions to answer this question:
Keen (‘kEn) adj. [English]
1. Having a sharp edge or point
2. Full of enthusiasm
3. Having or showing mental sharpness
4. Very nice
What is the meaning of the word keen in the sentence below?
John’s teachers often complimented his keen mind.
a. Definition 2
b. Definition 4
c. Definition 3
d. Definition 1
9. Refer to the following definitions to answer this question:
Expose (‘ik-‘spOz) v. [French]
1. To leave without shelter, protection, or care
2. To put on display (as in a store window)
3. To make known (expose a dishonest scheme)
4. To reveal the face of a playing card
What is the meaning of the word exposed in the sentence below?
The politician’s dishonesty was exposed to the public.
a. Definition 1
b. Definition 3
c. Definition 2
d. Definition 4