Does any Doper recall ever hearing what word in the English language has the most definitions in the dictionary? It was a short word, like maybe “set”? This WAG just came to me…will have to look into further.
Meanwhile, I am sure some other SDoper has heard this question in the past. Does anyone recall the answer? - Jinx
I can’t answer the question, but I suggest the word “get”
I once met a teacher of English as a foreign language who said its a tough concept. He spends several class sessions on “Get”, which has 17 different translations into the language of his students.
I have a memory that it’s ‘set’.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines ‘set’ as:
a verb with 36 meanings and 9 specific uses with other words (several of which have further meanings e.g. SET OFF on a journey; SET OFF a reaction)
a noun with 24 meanings and 1 specific use with other words
an adjective with 7 meanings
I think we have a winner!
Off the top of my head, how about ‘Jack?’
I got fifteen definitions for ‘jack’ on my desktop Oxford American Dictionary.
draw/drawer?
rose?
“Set” is traditionally the answer to this question.
Not surprisingly, this has been discussed before.
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=197026&highlight=definitions
I’m surprised no one has mentioned “RUN” yet. That’s always been my favorite.
Anyway, go to that link to see what has already been suggested.
IIRC, ‘up’ has a lot.
I always thought it was ‘field’. Don’t know where i go that idea, though.
:smack:
Maybe next time I’ll read the previous threads. Sorry 'bout that.