Homonym

usgb/ˈhɑːmənɪm/
noun

A word that sounds the same as another word but has a different meaning and may be spelled differently.

'Bare' and 'bear' are homonyms.
Visual representation of "homonym" - A word that sounds the same as another word but has a different meaning and may be spelled differently.

Often appears as...

  • homonym confusion
  • homonym examples
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "homonym"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Sound Alike

Homonyms can sound identical but have no relation in meaning.

Illustration for Sound Alike
The words 'plane' and 'plain' sound alike but mean different things.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Context Clues

Use the surrounding words to figure out which homonym is meant.

Illustration for Context Clues
In 'They sailed the sea on a fair day,' 'fair' is a homonym of 'fare.'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Verb-Noun Confusion

Some homonyms are verbs in one context and nouns in another.

Illustration for Verb-Noun Confusion
'Record' your voice, but 'a record' of achievement are homonyms.
Visual representation of the word "Homonym"

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