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lexical ambiguity

Lexical ambiguity occurs when a single word has multiple meanings or interpretations, depending on the context in which it’s used. For example, the word "bank" can refer to a financial institution or the side of a river. This ambiguity can lead to confusion if the context doesn’t clearly indicate which meaning is intended. It’s a common aspect of language that highlights how words can be flexible, requiring listeners or readers to use surrounding words and situations to determine the correct interpretation. Understanding lexical ambiguity is important for clear communication and effective language use.