浅谈英语一词多义现象

漫谈英语的“一词多义”现象作者：钱伟来源：《英语学习》2018年第10期英语中一词多义现象很普遍，其中，大多数词义是相关的，有明显的引申或比喻关系。

如will表示“将要、愿意、希望、意志（力）、遗嘱”；park表示“公园、停车场、停放”；pool表示“水池”或在口语中指“美式台球”（snooker是英式台球，billiards为统称）；convention表示“会议、国际公约、惯例、习俗、规矩”等；chick的意思是“小鸡”，也表示“少女、小妞儿”（多含贬义）；toast既是“烤面包（片）”，也表示“祝酒”，据说这是由于旧时在英国流行一种习俗：人们饮酒时，常把一块放有香料的烤面包片加入酒中，这样可使酒味更醇美。

该习俗在莎士比亚时代尤为风行，所以我们今天才有to drink a toast的说法。

然而，还有些词的不同义项看起来毫无逻辑联系，让人感到莫名其妙、颇为费解。

下面我们来看几个常见的词。

这个词有两个完全无关的意思。

第一个意思表示“球”，如football、basketball、volleyball 等，这个词义来源于古日耳曼语；另一个意思是“舞会”，如palace ball（宫廷舞会），该词义来自于法语 bal，与其同源的还有ballet（芭蕾）一词。

油菜与强奸“撞衫”也纯属尴尬的巧合。

其实，表示“油菜”的rape一词来自拉丁语的rapa，最早是“芜菁”的意思。

欧洲油菜源于甘蓝和芜菁，所以拉丁语也称欧洲油菜为rapa。

而表示“强奸”一词的rape则来自拉丁语的rapere，意思是seize。

然而，来源不同的两个词居然后来在演变过程中变成了完全相同的词形。

well也有两个没有任何关联的义项。

一个是副词，表示“良好地、恰当地、妥善地”。

如Well begun is half done.（良好的开端是成功的一半。

）；a well-loved tale（一个深受喜爱的故事）；Well done！（干得好！）这个词义来自于古日耳曼语，与will（希望、希冀）同源，引申为“好的”。

高考英语阅读理解中的一词多义(熟词新义)一词多义(熟词新义)是语言的普遍现象。

在英语中，除了术语以外，单义词是很少的；多数的词都是多义词，而且在名词、动词、形容词、副词中，往往词的运用频率越高，词义就越多，它的生命力就越强。

一词多义(熟词新义)给我们学习英语带来许多困难,尤其是在阅读理解中，对精确理解句义形成了很大的障碍。

所以，在平常学习英语的过程中，关注这一现象，并尽可能多地驾驭理解词汇的诸多意义，显得特别重要。

其实，闻名的语言学家Chomsky早就说过:Every word is a new word. 他的意思就是说，我们只能在详细的语言环境中（通过上下文）才能精确理解一个词的含义。

请阅读以下例句，看看句中打横线的词在这里怎样精确理解（这些词义均属于高考范围）。

1 The learned professor is writing a report on bird flu.2 He really let me down, because he was late for a third time that week.3 A new act was passed by the government, which took effect a week later.4 They presented a sum of money to the college in memory of their son.5 If you like, I will keep you company today.6 “The interest shall be divided into five shares according to the agreement,” he said.7 Immediately after his wound was dressed, he went to work.8 Sorry, I never drink spirits. 9. Today is my treat.10. It is certain that a new drug will be found to treat AIDS in the future.11 She covered the opening ceremony of Shenzhen Hi-Tech Fair for CCTV.12 He worked out exactly what his income will have to be during the first six months to cover his costs.13 I had studied in Beijing Normal University before I taught at this school.14 The car must go. We can’t afford it any more.15 During the National Day golden week I went on a package tour.16 Hi, Tony! Where are you heading now?17 He was just a nobody before he met her.18 Kohl happened to notice her while she was struggling in the water.19 The film was shot in black and white.20 Do you carry a spare wheel in your car?21 My father used to make a living by running a small business.22 She delivered a short speech at the meeting.23 Have you booked the air ticket for Beijing?24 Those children were born into well-off families.25 Don’t address me as Mr. Fox.26 The director wants to star Jim in his new film.27 She doesn’t seem to be equal to meeting our demands.28 The articles found in the car helped the police identify the body.29 She is very gifted. She is really quick at learning languages.30 He was sentenced to three years in prison.31 In this sentence, the word BIG is in capitals.32 Don’t wake up the baby. He is sound asleep.33. She died at an advanced age.34. Please give me a ring first next time you come to Beijing.35 The Chinese team bagged more than 100 medals at this Asian games.36 We arrived at the city by coach.37 Bus No. 111 is air conditioned.38 He was very rude to the Customs officer.39 Develop the film quickly, please.40 Miss Wang handed out the graded papers. 41. A cheer rose from the stands.42. Don’t invent any excuse. I know why you are so sleepy.43.I prefer to iron my shirts while they are damp.44. I am several years junior to Peter.45. There were still a little time to go, so I killed time by watching kids swinging.46. Some teachers will act as judges at our school sports meet.47 Of all the hotels where I once stayed none can match this one.48 The monitor of my computer is made in Korea.49 In seeking for this job a good command of English is a must.50 Five people were killed in that mine accident.51 It was not long ago that the new republic was founded.52 I want to talk about the project with you this week. Which day are you available?53 Police say the man is armed and dangerous.54 Remember to be patient with those kids.55 I saw a figure coming towards me in the darkness.56 She had been in the same post for 20 years.57 The press conference was held after the results were known.58 I produced my railway ticket for inspection.59 Provided we get good weather it will be a successful holiday.60 The chance of his coming to the party is very remote.62 She tripped over the cat and fell.63 It was said that a tiger was spotted on the hill.64 How does Shenzhen strike you?65 This small town is well known for a natural hot spring.66 The piece of paper is too thick to tear easily.67 We must aim for world peace in the long term.68 The murder case is under investigation.69 Please look at the following family tree.70 This is an unforgettable moment I will forever treasure.71 The Great Wall of China winds its way from west to east.72 He put that day’s earnings into his safe.73 I was the only one who was invited to that ball.74 They intended to bring the men up in a special capsule.75 He lies to me that the railway station lies in the downtown city.76 How much do you charge me for one night?77 The water from that well is unfit to drink.78 I could see a lighted candle in the room.80 I suggest you should go in for more physical exercise.81 They are equal; you may take either share.82 The girl is skilful in typing.83 He became cross at my words.84 His first song was a hit.85 My car got stuck in the mud; it couldn’t move a bit.86 Please follow the directions on the bottle when you take the drug.87 I was late because we got a flat tire halfway.88 It is not far from here, just a few blocks away.89 Let’s hav e a break before getting down to that matter.90 This is really a touching film.91 The children were parted from their father.92 I’m going to attend a live concert directed by Andy Liu.93 The film company gave those tickets away to us for free.94 Please tell them to be here at seven o’clock sharp.95 The line is engaged; I cannot get through.96 Do you think this rice will last us a whole week?97 He has to work hard to raise a family of six.98 It is a common practice to make an appointment with a doctor before seeing him.99 I took the 8.00 am express to Shenzhen.100 Her son attended Harvard in 1993 and got a doctor’s degree four years later. 101 I work out every day to keep fit.102 South of the city lies a chemical works.103 I used to live in a building of three stories.104 Many years later he remained an associate professor.105 The government hopes to better the conditions of the workers.106 She has a seat on the board of a large company.107 We don’t often go t o the pictures.108 People in ancient times shot animals for food with bows.109 Have you ever boxed at school?110 The Han River is a branch of the Changjiang River111 He drank four cans of beer.112 As an actress Jane is not in the same class as Susan.113 He has a good command of the French language.114 Do you know the composition of the milk?115 He is content to stay in his present job.116 Our dinner is usually a five-course one.117 Have you booked a tennis court?118 There are telephone extensions in every office.119 My daughter was born in the fall of 1991.120 It is so hot. Please turn the fan on.121 He was fired for stealing money from the till.122 Peter was fined $200 for dangerous driving.123 Our firm has made 200 people laid off.124 Why is there a fly in the tomato-egg soup?125 What make of computer is it?126 Dolly, the first cloned sheep in the world, was given a shot to end her life.127 In 2003, I landed my first job in Shenzhen as a translator.128 I will buy a set of china. 129 They belong to black races.130 He finished the race in 12.60 seconds.131 These apples are still green; you can’t pick them.132 Word comes that there will be a film tonight.133 Some twenty people were killed in the accident.134 Jean has a pronounced French accent.135 Don’t tell her about it. She is a yellow dog.136 Don’t look so blue—smile!137 The future looks black. 138 He tapped me on the shoulder.139 The swimmer was swept away by the current.140 He is the person who always has novel ideas.。

浅谈英语中的一词多义现象作者：邓琳来源：《活力》2010年第08期[摘要]在英语词汇中,一词多义现象十分普遍,分析多义词的结构和特点,了解语境对于消除多义词作用过程中产生的歧义起关键性的作用,从而使学习者体会出语言的丰富多彩。

[关键词]一词多义;词义;语境;教学多义关系是所有自然语言的共同特点,在像英语这样高度发达的语言中尤其明显,现代英语的绝大多数词都是多义词。

一、一词多义一个词刚出现的时候只是用作一定事物、现象、性质或行为的名称,因而总是单义的。

继而在语言发展过程中逐渐获得新义,这样便形成了一词多义(polysemy),词具备两个或两个以上的意义便成为多义词(polysemic)。

以英语的bachelor为例,该词至少获得了三个义项,是个多义词,分别为:(1)单身汉;(2)学士;(3)骑士。

二、一词多义中词义的关系分类多种意义的产生是一个历史的演变过程,从当代英语的词典中并不一定能看出哪个意思是原始意义,哪些意思则是从原始意义演变而来的。

要理解和掌握多义词的词义,必须考虑多义词各词义之间关系。

尽管纷繁复杂,但还是构成一定的关系,主要有以下四种:1.原始意义与引申意义。

词源学考证所能发现的第一个词义,是词的原始意义,其余全都是引申意义。

有些词的原始意义也不一定有实用价值。

例如:candidate(候选人)的原始意义是“穿白衣服的人”,pen的原始意义是“羽毛”,但在现在的词义中已见不到一点痕迹了。

2.普通意义与特殊意义。

由于词义范围在历史演变中的扩大或缩小,一个多义词中各种意义之间存在的普通意义与特殊意义的关系指的是该词既可以指一类事物或动作,也可指这类事物或动作中的某一个或几个。

比如有这样一个句子:Call me a bad doctor if you like. Call me what you will. But don’t call me at half past three on December morning for an earache that you have had for two weeks.如果你愿意,把我称为坏医生吧。

英语中一词多义的理解与翻译
英语中存在着很多一词多义的现象，这为学习英语的同学带来了一定的挑战。

在理解与翻译时，需要注意以下步骤：
首先，需要了解词义的来源。

一词多义通常是由于这个词在不同的语境下产生了不同的含义。

因此，要充分了解这个词所处的语境，包括句子的主题、语气、修辞等方面。

其次，需要进行对比分析。

我们需要对不同的含义进行比较分析，找出它们之间的共性和区别。

这样可以帮助我们更好地把握它们在不同语境下的含义。

然后，需要选择合适的翻译方式。

在进行翻译时，需要根据上下文的不同选择不同的翻译方式。

有些情况下需要直译，有些情况下则需要意译。

而有些情况下，还需要结合上下文进行自由翻译，使翻译更符合英语的表达习惯。

最后，需要进行检查与验证。

在翻译过程中，一定要时刻关注“意思是否清晰”这一核心问题。

尤其是在一词多义的情况下，需要仔细检查是否准确表达了原文的含义。

总的来说，英语中一词多义的现象十分普遍。

只有通过不断学习、积累和实践，才能逐渐掌握其特征和应对方法，从而更好地理解和翻译英语。

英语一词多义现象的认知分析
英语一词多义现象是指在英语中，一个词可以有多个意义，或者一个
意义有多种表示方式。

这种现象是英语中的句法特征，其主要原因是英语
的发展史长期以来受到外来语言的影响，这些外来语言不同的词汇和语法
特点对英语产生了极大的影响，从而形成了英语一词多义的现象。

针对英语一词多义现象，我们可以从三个方面来进行认知分析。

第一，根据句法的结构特点，尤其是名词的变化，可以确定一词多义的现象，并
进行细致的语法分析，从而形成一个完整的、具体的语言系统。

第二，可
以根据词的词义变化，通过归纳总结，对词语的语义和可能的含义进行深
入的分析，以便更好地理解和掌握词语的用法。

第三，根据句子及文章的
语境，仔细考察每个句子和每个词语的含义，以便更好地掌握词语的用法。

认知语言学视角下英语一词多义现象分析认知语言学视角下英语一词多义现象分析摘要：一词多义是一种普遍的语言现象，指一个语词有多种不同却具有相互联系的意义。

从认知机制出发可以对英语中一词多义现象进行阐释，从而深化对这种语言现象的理解，同时对外语词汇教学有一定的启发作用。

关键词：认知语言学一词多义认知机制一、引言一词多义是指单个的语言形式存在两个或两个以上有一定联系的义项，它是一种重要的语言现象，普遍存在于各种语言现实中。

认知语言学认为，多义是一种认知现象，即人类通过一定认知手段由一个词的中心意义或基本意义向其他意义延伸的过程，是人类认知范畴和概念化的结果。

二、原型范畴理论和一词多义现象（一）原型范畴理论范畴被视为是由一组拥有共同特征而建构起来的，范畴可由特征束或一组充分必要条件来定义；特征是二分的，范畴的边界是明确的，范畴成员隶属于集合的程度是相等的，没有核心和边缘之分（王寅，20XX：99）。

一方面，经典范畴理论为20世纪的语言学研究做出了一定贡献。

但另一方面，经典范畴理论存在某些缺陷，如运用经典理论解释更多的现象时，常显得无能为力。

（二）利用原型理论解释一词多义现象根据原型范畴理论，一词多义现象是围绕原型的词义产生辐射由此而形成的一个特殊范畴，一个多义词有典型义项和边缘义项之分。

人们认识一个词时，往往是从其原型义项开始的。

例如，在《牛津高阶英汉双解词典》中，eye有8个义项，包括：1.[C]either of the two organs on the face that you see with；2.[in adjective]having the type or number of eyes mentioned；3.[sing.]the ability to see；4.[C]a particular way of seeing sth；5.[C]the hole in the end of a needle that you put the threadthrough；6.[C]a small thin piece of metal curved round，that a small hook fits into，used for fastening clothes；7.[sing.]a calm area at the center of a storm，etc.；8.[C]a dark mark on a potato from which another plant will grow.在以上八个义项中，“眼睛”是原型，其他的所有义项都是围绕这个原型而产生的。

单词一词多义的记忆方法在英语学习过程中，我们经常会遇到一词多义的现象，这无疑给词汇记忆带来了一定的困扰。

掌握一些有效的记忆方法，能够帮助我们更好地应对这个问题。

一、一词多义的概念一词多义，指的是一个单词具有两个或两个以上的意义。

这种现象在英语中非常普遍，也是英语学习的一个难点。

一词多义的记忆方法主要是通过理解单词在不同语境中的用法，从而掌握其不同意义。

二、记忆方法1.联想记忆法联想记忆法是通过将单词的不同意义进行关联，形成一个有逻辑关系的整体，从而提高记忆效果。

例如，单词“bank”有“银行”和“河岸”两个意思。

我们可以将这两个意义联系起来，想象一家银行位于河岸旁边，便于记忆。

2.语境记忆法语境记忆法是通过阅读和理解单词在不同语境中的用法，来记忆其不同意义。

例如，在学习单词“spring”时，我们可以阅读以下两个句子：- The water from the spring is very clean.- Spring is my favorite season.通过这两个句子，我们可以理解“spring”分别表示“泉水”和“春天”的意思。

3.构词记忆法构词记忆法是通过分析单词的词根、词缀等构词元素，来推断其不同意义。

例如，单词“transport”表示“运输”，而“transmit”表示“传输”。

这两个单词都含有“trans-”前缀，表示“横跨、穿过”的意思，通过理解这一点，我们可以更好地记忆这两个单词。

4.归类记忆法归类记忆法是将具有相同或相似意义的单词进行归类，形成一个词汇群，便于记忆。

例如，单词“fruit”表示“水果”，我们可以将其与“apple”、“banana”等表示具体水果的单词进行归类，从而更好地记忆。

5.互动记忆法互动记忆法是通过与他人进行交流、讨论，共同记忆单词的不同意义。

这种方法可以激发学习兴趣，提高记忆效果。

三、总结一词多义的记忆方法多种多样，关键在于找到适合自己的方法，并结合实际语境进行学习和记忆。

⼀词多义现象⼀、引⾔⼀词多义是⼀种普遍⽽重要的语⾔现象，更是英语词汇的⼀⼤特⾊。

英语中纯粹的单义词很少，绝⼤多数词都是多义词，即⼀个词项有两个或两个以上的意义（李福印，2006）。

那么多义词产⽣的途径有哪些呢？⼀词多义现象中，词义拓展的⽅式有两种：辐射（radiation）与连锁（concatenation）；从认知语⾔学⾓度来说，隐喻与转喻是多义词词义延伸和拓展的途径。

对以上问题的研究，不仅会加深我们对多义词的理解，⽽且它对英语学习者在学习英语词汇时会产⽣⼀些重要的启⽰。

（⼀）多义词产⽣的原因。

⼀词多义（polysemy）即⼀个词具有多种意义，⽽且意义之间密切相关，如英语中mouth of a river 与mouth of an animal。

前者是后者意义的隐喻性延伸，两个意义之间有密切的关系，因此month 属于多义词的范畴。

多义词现象是语⾔经济性和灵活性的⼀种体现。

它是语⾔的⼀种优点，⽽⾮缺点。

这是因为，语⾔词语在获得新的意义的同时，并不⼀定要以失去其原有的意义作为代价。

在不增加词汇数量的情况下，可表达的意义范围扩⼤了，这是语⾔经济性和创造⼒的表现（束定芳，2000）。

产⽣多义词的原因有多种。

不同学者对此有许多不同的论述。

本⽂作者归纳并认真分析后，认为在词义变化过程中产⽣⼀词多义最主要的原因有以下⼏点：1.使⽤范围的转移（shift in application）。

这是产⽣⼀词多义最主要的原因。

如handsome 原来⼀般只⽤于形容男性的相貌，义为“英俊的，帅的”。

如果⽤来形容⼥性，如a handsome woman，其意义就变成了“健美⽽端庄的，标致的”。

如果⽤于修饰⾦钱，如a handsome sum of money，意义则是“可观的，相当多的”。

⼀些词在不同场合下使⽤时意义也各不相同，以形容词sharp 和blunt 为例（段满福，2004）。

sharp（⼑具）尖利的→（⾔语）苛刻的→（⾏动）直截了当的→（感觉）剧烈的→（智⼒）敏捷的；blunt（⼑具）钝的→（⾔语）直率的→（⾏动）笨拙的→（感觉）迟钝的→（智⼒）愚笨的。