Homonyms
Homonyms are words that have the same spelling (homographs) and /or the same pronounciation (homophones), but have different meanings.
Homographs
Homographs are words that are spelled the same, but have different meanings.
If the words are also pronounced the same, then they are also homophones.
Let's look at some examples of homographs.
school
Meaning 1 -
A large group of fish swimming together.
Meaning 2 -
A place where people go to learn.
The word school is also a homophone, as it is pronounced the same in both sentences.
reader
Meaning 1 -
A person who reads.
Meaning 2 -
A book designed to help people practise reading.
The word reader is also a homophone, as it is pronounced the same in both sentences.
Can you spot the homograph in this sentence?
The homograph is book.
Meaning 1 – to make an arrangement for a future event.
Meaning 2 – A written text that has been published in written or electronic form.
The word book is also a homophone, as it is pronounced the same in both sentences.
Here are some examples of homographs that are pronounced differently.
Meaning 1 -
A short distance away.
Pronounciation – rhymes with dose.
Meaning 2 -
To shut or change from being open to no longer open.
Pronounciation – rhymes with shows and froze.
Meaning 1 -
Where I reside and my home is located.
Pronounciation – rhymes with give.
Meaning 2 -
A performance seen in the present moment, as it happens.
Pronounciation – rhymes with hive.
Meaning 1 -
To rip or pull apart.
Pronounciation – rhymes with hair.
Meaning 2 -
A drop of liquid that falls from the eye when strong emotions are felt.
Pronounciation – rhymes with ear.
Homophones
Homophones are words that are pronounced the same, but have different meanings. Homophones may or may not be spelt the same.
Let’s look at some examples of homophones.
knew / new
Meaning 1 –
To be familiar with a place or aware of information.
Meaning 2 –
Recently built, opened, bought or experienced.
blue / blew
Meaning 1 –
Meaning 2 –
A primary colour, often seen in the sky and sea.
Past tense of blow – to expel or push out with pressure.
Can you spot the homophones in the following sentences?
The homophone is son / sun.
Meaning 1 – A male child.
Meaning 2 – A large star that provides light and warmth.
The homophone is threw / through.
Meaning 1 – Past tense of throw. To push something through the air.
Meaning 2 – Between. To travel in and out of an area.
Homonyms
In this article, we learnt that homonyms are words that are spelt and / or pronounced the same, but have different meanings.
We explored homographs, which are words that look the same, but have different meanings.
We also explored homophones, which are words that sound the same, but have different meanings.
Words that are spelt the same and sound the same are homographs as well as homophones.
Both homographs and homophones may be referred to as homonyms.
We hope you enjoyed this article!
