V. Semantics
Polysemantic words
As it is common knowledge most of the English words are polysemantic. Nevertheless in actual speech this doesn't interfere with the process of communication because the context cancels all the unnecessary meanings and helps to actualize one particular meaning of a word. Let's consider, for example, the meanings of the verb “to decide”. It means directly to make up one`s mind. Accordingly the derived word “ decidedly” in its direct meaning is synonymous to the adverbs resolutely, decisively, flatly.
“Catherine was decidedly not clever…” a new derived meaning of the adverb decidedly emerges from the lexical and grammatical contexts and the adverb is synonymous to the adverbs obviously, apparently, clearly, evidently.
“Catherine had no desire to shine, and on most social occasions, as they are called, you would have found her lurking in the background.” The verb “to shine” is synonymous to the verb to emit the light, to be radiant. Metaphorically according to the context it means to be clever, to be good at something. As for the word-combination “to lurk in the background” literally it means to hide in the shadows. But according to the context of the given text it is used metaphorically and means not to stand out among the people; to be usual girl. Figurative metaphorical meanings are found in such contexts: “her mother had been the most charming woman of her little day”; “he even went so far at times as to take a certain satisfaction in the thought that his wife had not lived to find her out”.
In the first case the author means “many years ago”. In the second case it means “the most strangest thoughts came into his mind”.
Generally speaking, context is a powerful means for correct interpretation of the meaning of polysemantic words.
Good – morally excellent;
which satisfy in quality;
right, proper;
well-behaved.
Countenance - complete rest and inactivity;
the front part of the human head;
that encourages someone to something; reward, praise;
the moral support.
Point - some period time, stage in life;
degree, which characterizes the quality level of anything;
agreement that divides the cost and risk in a half;
grid fabric with patterns which decorate clothing, linen and other items for home use;
Book - sheets of paper with some records;
part of a work, a collection of works;
Faithful - people who strictly adhere to tenets of any faith, religion;
person who tells the truth; honest, fair;
who deserves the highest respect, honor.
Reality - objectively existing reality, phenomena, events, facts;
not a fictional event, a real phenomenon, what actually happened;
the existence of something;
objective world in all its diversity.
Desire – polite appeal to someone to get something; to encourage someone to do something;
a large internal excitation, psychic exaltation, the state of inspiration;
a strong desire to make the implementation of something;
developed sense of beauty, the ability to aesthetic evaluation.
Attitude - land area occupied by troops and equipped for the conduct of defense actions;
normally posture while walking, sitting;
special behaviour with someone;
a part of dance movement.
Beauty - a set of physical features of human, appearance;
life in abundance, with comfort;
attractive appearance;
some advantage.
Confession - total positive rating of anyone in society;
religion;
voluntary acknowledgment of his guilt, remorse;
expression of conscious truth, justice.