LINGUISTIC SURPRISES
Be Careful When Using These 10 Words With More Than One Meaning
Published on June 23, 2024
Credit: Edho Pratama
You know, dictionaries can be hefty, and today, we're opening the cover to explore why. While some words rarely find their way into our daily conversations, others are more frequent, appearing in everyday talks and being understood by everybody. But wait! Because even these familiar words often carry hidden or rarely used definitions.
If you're curious, join us as we travel through the dictionary to rescue the lesser-known definitions of 10 words you probably use every day!
Pine
Credit: Tom Pumford
We all know and adore the iconic pine trees, particularly during Christmas, when they become the stars. This type of tree is abundant in certain parts of our country, gracing places like the Rocky Mountains. But there's one lesser-known fact that many people may not be familiar with: the word "pine" can also be used as a verb.
"To pine," according to Merriam-Webster, means "to yearn intensely and persistently, especially for something unattainable." Like everybody, you have probably "pined" for love at some point, but have you ever heard this verb before?
Oyster
Credit: Annie Spratt
Oysters are not just home to beautiful pearls; there is much more about them. These mollusks also possess a powerful muscle known as the adductor, which allows them to close their shells tightly, offering protection against threatening environments.
Probably because of that fantastic characteristic, the Collins Dictionary mentions the word "oyster" can also be used to describe a "taciturn and reserved person." However, being an oyster isn't necessarily a negative attribute. Quite the contrary, these people are often very good at keeping secrets safe, much like how oysters protect their pearls!
Orient
Credit: David Monje
Used as a verb to mean "to direct or guide," the word "orient" can also surprise with its different meanings.
As a noun, "orient" denotes eastern regions relative to a specific point. Thus, it's often used to evoke the extensive lands of the Eastern Hemisphere.
But that's not all; "orient" displays its versatility across various grammatical roles. It is not only a verb and a noun, but it also glows as an adjective. In this sense, something "orient" carries a positive connotation, described by Merriam-Webster as "lustrous and sparkling." For example -returning to the fascinating oysters- "orient pearls."
Lamp
Credit: Arisa Chattasa
We can all agree that the word "lamp" is quite familiar, right? Most of us have some type of lamp in our homes, and there are even some lamp enthusiasts today, determined to collect antique or exotic varieties to illuminate their homes in different ways.
But did you know that the word "lamp" can also be used as a verb, with a pretty aggressive meaning? That's right! According to the Oxford Dictionary, in British English, "to lamp" means "to hit someone very hard." Have you ever witnessed someone being "lamped" in a street fight?"
Blink
Credit: César Couto
We may not have all the answers, but one thing is clear: a blink is a quick thing. In fact, the expression "in the blink of an eye" captures this perfectly, referring to something that happens suddenly and fast.
In addition to its conventional meaning, the term "blink" has a lesser-known use as a verb, but not in the way you might expect. As Merriam-Webster points out, "to blink" can also mean "to yield or give in." So, if you want to learn all the meanings in the dictionary, don't blink now!
Tender
Credit: Scott Graham
Ah, the tender instants in life. From petting your dog to holding hands with someone special, these moments move us all, right? However, the word "tender" can also lead to unexpected places. Take, for example, a letter of resignation. But how can that be related to "tender"? Well, let's see.
It turns out that one of the meanings of this word, when used as a verb, is "to give, present, or offer something formally." For example, as we said, to tender a letter of resignation. So, the next time you need to speak formally, remember this word!
Bond
Credit: Thomas Park
It turns out that the word "bond" represents more than just a social or chemical connection.
Maybe when you read "Bond," it reminds you of the famous shaken, not stirred Martini. But in the world of whiskey, it takes on a different meaning. Merriam-Webster defines "bond" not only as a connection between people or atoms; there is also something called "bonded whiskey," "a 100-proof straight whiskey aged at least four years under government supervision before being bottled."
Bicker
Credit: Hans Vivek
Commonly used to refer to small discussions about unimportant issues, the word "bicker" also hides other meanings.
According to Merriam-Webster, used as a verb, the word "bicker" can also mean "to quiver or flicker," similar to the dance of a candle flame or the soft movements of tree leaves in the breeze. If you like poetry, you have probably read this word in a poem. If not, why don't you try creating a verse with this beautiful term?
Swell
Credit: Mike Von
Whether it's an ankle after a tough game or legs after a long flight, both situations may be accompanied by the word "swollen" or "swell."
But wait, there's more about this word. It has another, more glamorous meaning, popular in the early 20th century. According to the dictionary, "swell" can also be used as an adjective to describe something or someone as "stylish." Do you see yourself adding this old-school style to your vocabulary?
Jug
Credit: Nathan Dumlao
Jugs and vases have been among humans for thousands of years. If you wander through the halls of art and history museums, you will surely find some varieties of jugs. And think about your own house. You probably have one proudly displayed on a shelf or in a corner. Maybe it's a new piece you recently purchased, or perhaps it's a treasure inherited from your grandma.
But the word "jug" can also be used as a verb, did you know that? That's right! "Jug" also refers to a method of cooking, specifically "to stew (something, such as a hare) in an earthenware vessel."