What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
polysemia
Example
The word 'bank' has multiple meanings, such as a financial institution or the edge of a river. [polysemia: noun]
Example
The sentence 'I saw her duck' is ambiguous because it can mean either seeing a bird or seeing someone lower their head. [polysemia: noun]
multivocality
Example
The novel 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison is an example of multivocality, as it incorporates multiple perspectives and voices to tell the story. [multivocality: noun]
Example
The painting 'Guernica' by Pablo Picasso is a complex work of art that invites multivocality, as it can be interpreted in various ways depending on the viewer's background and context. [multivocality: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Polysemia is a more common term than multivocality in everyday language, as it is used to describe the ambiguity of language and communication. Multivocality, on the other hand, is a more specialized term that is mainly used in academic and cultural contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between polysemia and multivocality?
Both polysemia and multivocality can be used in formal and informal contexts, but polysemia is more versatile and can be employed in various fields, including linguistics, philosophy, and psychology.
