Homonyms are words with same spelling but different meanings and pronunciations. They can be a source of confusion in language, and English is rife with them.
Here are some examples of homonyms:
- Bow (noun) – A curved weapon for shooting arrows: The archer drew his bow.
- Bow (verb) – To bend forward at the waist: She decided to bow to the audience after her performance.
- Tear (noun) – A drop of clear salty liquid secreted by glands in your eyes: A tear ran down her cheek.
- Tear (verb) – To pull apart or destroy by force: Please don’t tear that paper.
- Lead (noun) – A heavy metal element (Pb): The pencil contained lead in the center.
- Lead (verb) – To guide or show the way: He will lead the team to victory.
- Wound (noun) – An injury to the body: The soldier had a severe wound.
- Wound (verb) – To inflict an injury: He wound the bandage around the wound.
- Bass (noun) – A type of fish: He caught a large bass.
- Bass (adj.) – Low in pitch: The bass in the music was very deep.
- Close (adj.) – Near or nearby: The store is close to my house.
- Close (verb) – To shut: Please close the door.
- Dove (noun) – A type of bird: A dove landed on the branch.
- Dove (verb) – Past tense of “dive”: She dove into the pool.
- Row (noun) – A linear arrangement: They sat in a row.
- Row (verb) – To propel a boat with oars: Let’s row the boat to the shore.
- Object (noun) – A thing or item: The object was on the table.
- Object (verb) – To express disagreement or disapproval: She didn’t object to the plan.
- Present (noun) – A gift: He received a lovely present.
- Present (verb) – To show or offer: Please present your ideas.
- Tire (noun) – A rubber covering on a wheel: Check the tire pressure.
- Tire (verb) – To grow weary: I tire easily after a long day.
- Minute (noun) – A unit of time: Wait for a minute.
- Minute (adj.) – Very small or insignificant: There’s a minute difference.
- Tear (noun) – A hole or a rip: There was a tear in his shirt.
- Tear (verb) – To remove something by force: She tried to tear the poster down.
- Content (noun) – The subject or information in something: The book’s content was engaging.
- Content (adj.) – Satisfied or pleased: He was content with the results.
- Lead (noun) – A position of advantage in a race or competition: The team took the lead.
- Lead (verb) – To guide or show the way: He will lead the team to victory.
Homonyms, with their variations in meaning and pronunciation, demonstrate the complexity and richness of the English language. They are a testament to the intricacies and nuances of language, making it both fascinating and occasionally perplexing for learners and speakers alike.
I hope you now know well about the Words with same spelling but different meanings and pronunciations! In case you are left with questions, feel free to write them down in the comments below.