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Words with Multiple Meanings Illustration | Glitter-ball

What word means the same as 'dance' and 'orb'?

Words with Multiple Meanings 2

Many English words have more than one meaning. These 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning questions challenge pupils to spot the right meaning from the context of the sentence.

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Fascinating Fact:

Words with multiple meanings are important in literature, where authors use ambiguity for humour, puns, or double meanings.

In 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning, multiple meaning words test whether pupils can use clues in sentences to identify the correct sense. This builds stronger reading and interpretation skills.

Key Terms

Ambiguity: When a word or phrase can be understood in more than one way.
Pun: A joke that plays on words with multiple meanings or similar sounds.
Context clue: Hints in surrounding text that help explain what a word means.

Parents can explore our 11 Plus courses and materials guide for advice on resources to support Verbal Reasoning preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What are examples of words with multiple meanings?

Examples include “light” (not heavy or brightness), “bark” (sound of a dog or tree covering), and “bank” (river edge or financial place).

How do multiple meaning words appear in the 11 Plus?

Pupils are given sentences with a highlighted word and must choose the correct meaning from several options.

How can pupils improve at recognising multiple meanings?

Reading widely, practising quizzes, and learning to use context clues all help pupils spot the correct meaning quickly and confidently.

Try These Related Quizzes

Example:
Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(NOTICE, SEE) __________ (BLEMISH, MOLE)

Answer:
If we notice or see something, we are said to ‘spot’ it. A blemish or a mole can also be referred to as a ‘spot’. The answer is ‘spot’.

1 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(DOOR, OPENING) __________ (ENCHANT, CHARM)

ACCESS

MAGIC

ENTRANCE

AMULET

A door or an opening might be called an ‘entrance’. To charm or enchant someone is to ‘entrance’ them (rhymes with ‘dance’). The answer is ‘entrance’.

2 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(STARVE, ABSTAIN) __________ (QUICK, RAPID)

HUNGER

SPEEDY

WATERFALL

FAST

To ‘fast’ is to go without or to abstain from food (that’s why we have ‘breakfast’, because we eat again after starving ourselves throughout the night). If something is quick or rapid then it might be called ‘fast’. The answer is ‘fast’.

3 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(ORB, SPHERE) __________ (DANCE, PARTY)

GLOBE

BALLET

BALL

CELEBRATION

Orbs and spheres are ‘ball-shaped’. A ‘ball’ is a dance or a party (think Cinderella). The answer is ‘ball’.

4 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(HEALTHY, FIT) __________ (PROPERLY, SKILFULLY)

HEARTY

WELL

JUSTLY

FAIRLY

If someone is fit and healthy then they are ‘well’. To do something properly or skilfully is to do it ‘well’. The answer is ‘well’.

5 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(NATION, GOVERNMENT) __________ (CONDITION, SITUATION)

COUNTRY

COUNCIL

CIRCUMSTANCE

STATE

Countries and governments can be called ‘states’, while something’s condition or situation might be called its ‘state’. The answer is ‘state’.

6 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(COMPLAIN, OPPOSE) __________ (ITEM, THING)

GRUMBLE

NOUN

OBJECT

FIGHT

To complain or oppose is to ‘object’. Items and things are ‘objects’. The answer is ‘object’.

7 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(BRANCH, POLE) __________ (GLUE, BOND)

STICK

TWIG

NORTH

PROMISE

Branches and poles might be described as ‘sticks’. To glue or bond things together is to ‘stick’ them together. The answer is ‘stick’.

8 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(STRENGTH, POWER) __________ (MAY, COULD)

FORCE

MIGHT

POSSIBLY

APRIL

Another word for strength or power is ‘might’. If something may or could happen, then it ‘might’. The answer is ‘might’.

9 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(COMPANY, BUSINESS) __________ (SOLID, RIGID)

FIRM

ORGANISATION

AFFAIRS

SHAPE

Companies and businesses might also be called ‘firms’. If something is solid or rigid it might be described as ‘firm’. The answer is ‘firm’.

10 .

Which word can have a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the left AND a similar meaning to the words in brackets on the right?
(JUST, HONEST) __________ (PRETTY, ATTRACTIVE)

ONLY

TRUTH

BEAUTIFUL

FAIR

To be just and honest is to be ‘fair’. ‘Fair’ also means pretty or attractive. The answer is ‘fair’.

Author: Stephen O'Hara and Ian Miles

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