THE CONCEPT OF POLYSEMY: LINGUISTIC NATURE AND CRITERIA FOR DIFFERENTIATING MEANINGS

Abstract

This thesis examines the phenomenon of polysemy, emphasizing its linguistic nature, semantic structure, and criteria for differentiating meanings. Polysemy is defined as the coexistence of several related meanings within a single lexical item, distinguished by semantic relatedness, contextual substitutability, and etymological continuity. The study highlights that polysemy serves as a core mechanism of linguistic creativity and cognitive categorization, demonstrating how language evolves to meet communicative needs. The concept of polysemy is characterized as the existence of several meanings within a single lexical unit. Polysemy is one of the most essential semantic characteristics of the language. The research examines the linguistic nature of polysemy, its cognitive and communicative roles, and the primary criteria employed to differentiate between associated meanings. Focus is given to the distinction between polysemy and other semantic occurrences such as homonymy and metaphorical extension. The conversation further emphasizes the significance of contextual and historical elements in the development and comprehension of polysemous meanings