Homonym

HOMONYM

Homonyms are words that have different meanings but are pronounced or spelled the same way.

1.1

HOMONYM

Depending on whom you talk to, homonym means either:

- A word that is spelled like another but has a different sound and meaning (homograph).

- A word that sounds like another but has a different spelling and meaning (homophone).

- A word that is spelled and pronounced like another but has a different meaning (homograph and homophone).

1.2

HOMOPHONE

Homophones is a word that has the same sound as another word but has a different meaning. Homophones may or may not have the same spelling.

a. to / two / too

For example:

- Sadly, she didn't live to see her grandchildren.

- She had to choose between the two men in her life.

- It was too expensive a desk for a child's room.

b. there / their / they're

For example:

- The museum is closed today. We'll go there tomorrow.

- She thanked the staff for their dedication and enthusiasm.

- She said that they're planning a camping trip.

c. pray / prey

For example:

- Let us pray for the victims of this terrible disaster.

- A hawk hovered in the air before swooping on its prey.

The –phone ending means sound or voice, so a homophone has the same pronunciation.

1.3

HOMOGRAPH

Homograph is a word that has the same spelling as another word but has a different sound and a different meaning.

a. lead (to go in front of) / lead (a metal)

For example:

- I've asked Jackson to lead the discussion.

- The pipes were made of lead.

b. wind (to follow a course that is not straight) / wind (a gust of air)

- The river winds through the valley.

- There was a light wind blowing.

c. bass (low, deep sound) / bass (a type of fish)

- The qualities of his voice make you forget he is a bass.

- The plight of the sea bass is a prime example of the problem.

The ending –graph means drawn or written, so a homograph has the same spelling.

Quick Notes