The same word can have different meanings — Language, 4–6
Sometimes one word is used for two related things. The words around it help you work out which meaning is meant.
One word, more than one meaning
The same word can point to different things in different sentences. A mouse can be a small animal, or it can be the device you move to control a computer. The rest of the sentence gives your mind the clue.
Why one word can do two jobs
People often reuse an old word for a new thing when the two things look or act alike. A computer mouse got its name because its shape and moving cord reminded people of an animal. This saves language from needing a brand-new word every time, but listeners must use the context.
Working out the meaning
Hear this sentence: The mouse hid behind the bread. First, notice the action hid; a computer device cannot hide by itself. Next, notice behind the bread; that is a place for a little animal. So mouse means the animal here. The nearby words solved the puzzle.
The trap: choosing the first meaning
You may always choose the meaning you learned first, because it worked before. If you hear Computer mouse, however, imagining a furry animal makes the sentence strange. That mistake is reasonable: the word really can mean animal, so listen to the whole sentence before deciding.
Using the clues around a word
You use context when a sign, book or app has a word you do not understand at once. Look at the picture and the words nearby, then try each possible meaning. If one meaning makes the message sensible, you have probably found the right one.
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