Problem: Sentence1: We serve meals for the homeless.
Sentence2: The President's wisdom has served the country well.
Q: Does the term serve mean the same thing in both these sentences?

Answer: different meanings

Problem: Sentence1: The coach cut two players from the team.
Sentence2: Wayne cut.
Q: Does the term cut mean the same thing in both these sentences?

Answer: different meanings

Problem: Sentence1: This time he succeeded.
Sentence2: Okay, but this is the last time. No more after that!
Q: Does the term time mean the same thing in both these sentences?

Answer: the same meaning

Problem: Sentence1: The battery had a short life.
Sentence2: Having experienced both, the vampire decided that he preferred (un)death to life.
Q: Does the term life mean the same thing in both these sentences?

Answer:
different meanings