The Polysemy Game
- English Only
- Advanced Learners
- Native Speakers
- Vocabulary Study
This game is all about polysemy — the fascinating idea that a single word can have multiple related meanings. For example, the word “weight” can refer to:
- a physical object (like a dumbbell)
- a feeling of emotional pressure (like “the weight of responsibility”)
- or even importance (like “her words carry weight”)
In this game, your job is to guess a sequence of words that are all connected through meaning. The first word is shown to you. Each next word is related to the previous one in meaning — sometimes as a metaphor, a different usage, or an abstract shift in meaning. That’s the fun of polysemy!
- Look at the first word (it’s already completed).
- For each row below it, try to guess the next word.
- You’ll get one letter as a hint to help you.
- Type your guess letter by letter.
- If it’s correct, the boxes will turn yellow and the next word will unlock.
- If it’s incorrect, they turn gray — try again!
- Use Backspace to delete letters easily.
- A stopwatch tracks how fast you complete the whole set!
Study Tip: Use a Thesaurus!
If you’re learning English, this game is a fantastic way to practice vocabulary and meaning relationships. You can:
- Use a thesaurus (online or in a dictionary app) to look up synonyms or related words.
- Think about abstract meanings and metaphorical uses.
- Look for connections that aren’t always literal — like how “strength” can be physical and emotional.
Compete With Friends!
Turn it into a challenge:
- Start the game together.
- Try to finish the word chain the fastest.
- Compare your times at the end — who’s the polysemy master?
Learning Goals
By playing this game, you’ll improve:
- Vocabulary depth (not just “what the word means,” but how it can mean different things)
- Spelling and letter recognition
- Your ability to make meaning connections in English — a key skill for advanced fluency!