Homonym
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.
Often appears as...
- homonym confusion
- homonym examples
noun
A word that is spelled the same as another word but has a different meaning and may sound different.
'Bow' (a type of knot) and 'bow' (front part of a ship) are homonyms.
Often appears as...
- homonym pairs
- homonym words
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.
Often appears as...
- homonym confusion
- homonym examples
noun
A word that is spelled the same as another word but has a different meaning and may sound different.
'Bow' (a type of knot) and 'bow' (front part of a ship) are homonyms.
Often appears as...
- homonym pairs
- homonym words
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Sound Alike
Homonyms can sound identical but have no relation in meaning.
The words 'plane' and 'plain' sound alike but mean different things.
Pro Tip 2/3Context Clues
Use the surrounding words to figure out which homonym is meant.
In 'They sailed the sea on a fair day,' 'fair' is a homonym of 'fare.'
Pro Tip 3/3Verb-Noun Confusion
Some homonyms are verbs in one context and nouns in another.
'Record' your voice, but 'a record' of achievement are homonyms.
Pro Tip 1/3Sound Alike
Homonyms can sound identical but have no relation in meaning.
The words 'plane' and 'plain' sound alike but mean different things.
Pro Tip 2/3Context Clues
Use the surrounding words to figure out which homonym is meant.
In 'They sailed the sea on a fair day,' 'fair' is a homonym of 'fare.'
Pro Tip 3/3Verb-Noun Confusion
Some homonyms are verbs in one context and nouns in another.
'Record' your voice, but 'a record' of achievement are homonyms.
Pro Tip 1/3Sound Alike
Homonyms can sound identical but have no relation in meaning.
The words 'plane' and 'plain' sound alike but mean different things.
Pro Tip 2/3Context Clues
Use the surrounding words to figure out which homonym is meant.
In 'They sailed the sea on a fair day,' 'fair' is a homonym of 'fare.'
Pro Tip 3/3Verb-Noun Confusion
Some homonyms are verbs in one context and nouns in another.
'Record' your voice, but 'a record' of achievement are homonyms.
Never forget "Homonym"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
Video examples
Mysteries of vernacular:...
jade also has an English homonym. With roots that predate the popularity of the lustral gemstone, jade was used to refer to either a disreputable woman or a broken-down horse.
Video examples
Mysteries of vernacular:...
jade also has an English homonym. With roots that predate the popularity of the lustral gemstone, jade was used to refer to either a disreputable woman or a broken-down horse.
Example 1 of 1
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension