Question

Which of the following sentences describes polysemy in the best way?

• A. The pen is mightier than the sword.
• B. Yes, I love those. I ate a whole box on Sunday.
• C. Computer chips are an important new technology.
• D. The bookstore has some new titles in linguistics.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. The pen is mightier than the sword.

• Polysemy refers to a single word having multiple meanings. In option A, "pen" and "sword" have multiple meanings depending on context: "pen" can refer to a writing tool or influence, and "sword" can refer to an actual weapon or power/force.