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Words with Multiple Meanings Illustration | Walrus

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Can you think of a word related to walrus which means the same as 'close'?

Words with Multiple Meanings 1

Some words have more than one meaning. These 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning questions test how well pupils can recognise the correct sense of a word in different contexts.

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Fascinating Fact:

English has thousands of polysemous words, which are words with multiple meanings.

In 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning, questions with multiple meanings test vocabulary knowledge and reading skills. Pupils must decide which meaning of a word makes sense in a sentence.

Key Terms

Polysemy: When a single word has two or more meanings.
Context: The words or situation around a word that give its meaning.
Inference: Using clues in a sentence to work out the intended sense.

Parents can learn more in our 11 Plus sample questions guide , which explains how different question types prepare pupils for exams.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What are words with multiple meanings?

These are words that can mean different things depending on the context. For example, "bat" could mean a flying mammal or sports equipment.

Why are multiple meaning words important in 11 Plus exams?

They test whether pupils can understand vocabulary in different contexts, an essential skill for reading comprehension and problem solving.

How can pupils practise these questions?

Pupils can practise by reading widely, noticing how the same word changes meaning, and completing quizzes that include polysemous words.

Try These Related Quizzes

Example:
Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(NOTICE, SEE) __________ (BLEMISH, MOLE)

Answer:
If we notice or see something, we are said to ‘spot’ it. A blemish or a mole can also be referred to as a ‘spot’. The answer is ‘spot’.

1 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(TOLERATE, ALLOW) __________ (CARRY, SUPPORT)

BEAR

STAND

LUG

EAR

To tolerate or allow something is to ‘bear’ it. To carry or support something is also to ‘bear’ it. The answer is ‘bear’.

2 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(LETTER, MESSAGE) __________ (OBSERVE, SEE)

COMMUNICATION

NOTE

MORAL

SPOT

A letter or a message can be a ‘note’. If we observe or see something, we might be said to ‘note’ it. The answer is ‘note’

3 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(CRUEL, NASTY) __________ (INTEND, PLAN)

VICIOUS

PLOT

MEAN

PROPOSE

If someone is cruel or nasty, you might call them ‘mean’. If you intend or plan to do something, then you ‘mean’ to do it. The answer is ‘mean’.

4 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(SMOOTH, LEVEL) __________ (APARTMENT, MAISONETTE)

EVEN

PLANE

FLAT

MANSION

If something is ‘flat’ it will be smooth and level. Apartments and maisonettes are two other names for ‘flats’. The answer is ‘flat’.

5 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(DELICATE, FEATHERY) __________ (BRIGHT, SUNLIT)

LIGHT

FLIMSY

DOWNY

CLEVER

If something is delicate or feathery it is ‘light’. Places which are bright or sunlit are also ‘light’. The answer is ‘light’.

6 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(HAMMER, HIT) __________ (THROB, PULSATE)

MALLET

NAIL

SMACK

POUND

To hammer or smack something is to ‘pound’ it. Something which is throbbing or pulsating might be described as ‘pounding’. The answer is ‘pound’.

7 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND is related to the words in brackets on the right?
(CLOSE, COVER) __________ (WALRUS, SEALION)

NEAR

HIDE

TUSK

SEAL

If we close or cover something, we are said to ‘seal’ it. Walruses and sealions are related to ‘seals’. The answer is ‘seal’.

8 .

Which word is related to the words in brackets on the left AND has a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(IRIS, LENS) __________ (APPRENTICE, STUDENT)

FLOWER

PUPIL

UNIVERSITY

GLASS

The iris and lens are both parts of the eye, as is the ‘pupil’. An apprentice or student can also be called a ‘pupil’. The answer is ‘pupil’.

9 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(BREEZE, GUST) __________ (COIL, TWIST)

GALE

SPIRAL

TURN

WIND

A breeze or a gust are two forms of ‘wind’ (rhymes with ‘tinned’). To coil or twist something is to ‘wind’ it (rhymes with ‘find’). The answer is ‘wind’.

10 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(DENY, REJECT) __________ (RUBBISH, WASTE)

DISALLOW

FORBID

REFUSE

DESERT

To deny or reject something is to ‘refuse’ it (rhymes with ‘news’). Rubbish or waste is also called ‘refuse’ (rhymes with ‘loose’). The answer is ‘refuse’.

Author: Stephen O'Hara and Ian Miles