Final answer:
Selecting the correct meaning of a word based on its context is understood through the concept of contextualism, a critical aspect of semantic analysis that considers usage, connotation, denotation, and cultural context to accurately interpret language.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a word has more than one meaning, selecting the meaning that makes the most sense in context relies on understanding the concept of contextualism. This involves taking into account the surrounding text or spoken dialogue in which the word is used to infer its intended meaning. As seen with the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), words evolve over time and their meanings can drastically shift, making context particularly essential. In literature, for example, the word spear could refer to a physical weapon or metaphorically to something that pierces metaphorically, depending on how it is used in a sentence or passage.
The process of determining meaning also can include considering connotation and denotation, where connotation represents the associated feelings or ideas a word invokes, while denotation refers to the literal, dictionary definition of the word. Furthermore, strategies like analyzing word choice or diction, considering multiple definitions, and assessing the cultural context of the term are vital in this evaluative process.