Heteronym
noun
A word that is spelled the same as another word but has a different sound and meaning.
The word 'bow' is a heteronym because it can be pronounced to mean either a type of knot or the front part of a ship.
Often appears as...
- heteronym example
- heteronym pronunciation
noun
A word that is spelled the same as another word but has a different sound and meaning.
The word 'bow' is a heteronym because it can be pronounced to mean either a type of knot or the front part of a ship.
Often appears as...
- heteronym example
- heteronym pronunciation
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Context Clues
Use surrounding words and sentences to understand which meaning of a heteronym is intended.
The sentence 'She drew the bow across the violin' clarifies the heteronym 'bow'.
Pro Tip 2/3Pronunciation Practice
Listen to native speakers or use a dictionary to learn how to pronounce heteronyms correctly.
For the heteronym 'row', practice both 'He had a row with his friend' and 'She sat in the third row'.
Pro Tip 3/3Common Heteronyms
Familiarize yourself with common heteronyms in English to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
Words like 'lead' (a metal) and 'lead' (to guide) are heteronyms.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Clues
Use surrounding words and sentences to understand which meaning of a heteronym is intended.
The sentence 'She drew the bow across the violin' clarifies the heteronym 'bow'.
Pro Tip 2/3Pronunciation Practice
Listen to native speakers or use a dictionary to learn how to pronounce heteronyms correctly.
For the heteronym 'row', practice both 'He had a row with his friend' and 'She sat in the third row'.
Pro Tip 3/3Common Heteronyms
Familiarize yourself with common heteronyms in English to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
Words like 'lead' (a metal) and 'lead' (to guide) are heteronyms.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Clues
Use surrounding words and sentences to understand which meaning of a heteronym is intended.
The sentence 'She drew the bow across the violin' clarifies the heteronym 'bow'.
Pro Tip 2/3Pronunciation Practice
Listen to native speakers or use a dictionary to learn how to pronounce heteronyms correctly.
For the heteronym 'row', practice both 'He had a row with his friend' and 'She sat in the third row'.
Pro Tip 3/3Common Heteronyms
Familiarize yourself with common heteronyms in English to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
Words like 'lead' (a metal) and 'lead' (to guide) are heteronyms.
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