11+ Verbal reasoning · Topic explained
Double meanings
How can one word mean two different things?
The big idea
Find one word that fits both pairs, with a different meaning for each.
Picture it
A key that opens two different doors.
Key words
- double meaning
- one spelling, two different meanings
- pair
- two words that share one of those meanings
- both
- the answer must fit both pairs
Worked examples
- 1Warm-up
(type, sort) (nice, friendly)
- Kind means a type: 'what kind of dog?'
- Kind also means nice: kind
- 211+ standard
(throw, fling) (actors, performers)
- To cast is to throw: 'cast a fishing line'.
- The cast is the actors in a play: cast
- 311+ standard
(academy, college) (pod, shoal)
- A school is a place of learning.
- A school is also a group of fish: school
- 411+ standard
(leap, vault) (tied, fastened)
- Bound means a big leap.
- Bound also means tied up: bound
The common mistake
The mistake
The answer only needs to match one pair.
Instead
It must fit both pairs, each in a different meaning.
Why: The options include words that fit one pair perfectly, like hurl for throw and fling, but not the other.
Where it comes up in the 11+
A GL favourite that rewards a wide vocabulary. CEM-style tests also love words with two meanings.
The video
Video coming soon
We're making a short video that explains double meanings step by step. Until then, everything it covers is on this page.
Free printable
Double meanings worksheet
Practice questions on this topic to print and try on paper, at home or on the way to school.
Download the worksheet (PDF)Free account needed: it takes a minute.
Quick quiz
Have a go first, then tap to see the answer.
1. (timer, clock) (look, stare)
- watch
- touch
- calendar
- listen
Show the answerHide the answer
watch
A watch tells the time; to watch is to look.
2. (hand, thumb) (willow, oak)
- palm
- birch
- wrist
- fist
Show the answerHide the answer
palm
The palm of your hand; a palm tree.
3. (character, role) (portion, piece)
- part
- actor
- slice
- chunk
Show the answerHide the answer
part
A part in a play; a part of something.