Final answer:
Words with multiple meanings are referred to as having polysemy. The understanding of a word's polysemy involves considering its denotative and connotative meanings, which can reveal how language exercises power and reflects or shapes social attitudes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Words having multiple meanings are known as having polysemy. Polysemy is the coexistence of many possible meanings for a word or phrase. For example, consider how the phrase 'Make America Great Again' has evolved in meaning from its use in Ronald Reagan's campaign to its different connotations in contemporary political discourse. The word 'saw' in Shakespeare's Othello also demonstrates multiple meanings or interpretations. Similarly, words like 'ladylike' and 'wh_ore' have different connotations and can shape social attitudes based on how they are used.
When studying vocabulary, it can be enlightening to consider both denotative (literal) and connotative (implied) meanings. The Oxford English Dictionary is a useful resource for exploring the historical changes in the meanings of words. Language not only communicates information but also wields power – it can both reflect and influence social norms and perceptions.