Problem: Sentence1: This method doesn't work.
Sentence2: The medicine works only if you take it with a lot of water.
Q: Does the term work mean the same thing in both these sentences?

Answer: the same meaning

Problem: Sentence1: She got a run in her stocking.
Sentence2: The ship made its run in record time.
Q: Does the term run mean the same thing in both these sentences?

Answer: different meanings

Problem: Sentence1: A distant third.
Sentence2: He answered the first question willingly, the second reluctantly, and the third with resentment.
Q: Does the term third mean the same thing in both these sentences?

Answer: the same meaning

Problem: Sentence1: US date: 05/24/08 = Tuesday, May 24th, 2008. UK date: 24/05/08 = Tuesday 24th May 2008.
Sentence2: The date of a letter, of a will, of a deed, of a coin, etc.
Q: Does the term date mean the same thing in both these sentences?

Answer:
the same meaning