Problem: Sentence1: Stone tools precede bronze tools.
Sentence2: Bill preceded John in the long line of Susan's husbands.
Q: Does the term precede mean the same thing in both these sentences?

Answer: different meanings

Problem: Sentence1: The shortness of a stubby pencil.
Sentence2: The patient's shortness of breath.
Q: Does the term shortness mean the same thing in both these sentences?

Answer: the same meaning

Problem: Sentence1: Clear the water before it can be drunk.
Sentence2: Clear the patrons from the theater after the bomb threat.
Q: Does the term clear mean the same thing in both these sentences?

Answer: different meanings

Problem: Sentence1: I couldn't get his words out of my head.
Sentence2: This song keeps going through my head.
Q: Does the term head mean the same thing in both these sentences?

Answer:
the same meaning