Hey! Nice to share with you today!
This lesson is on words that sound the same and are spelled the same but have different meanings. They are called Homonyms. (such as ‘spring’). We will also talk about pairs of words that sound the same but have distinctly different meanings and different spellings. They are called Homophones (such as ‘break’ and ‘brake’). Lastly, we will understand pairs or groups of words spelled the same. They are called Homographs. (Such as 1. Some plants have adapted to live in the desert. 2. The soldier was accused of deserting his post.) Homonyms and Homographs are similar but different in distinct ways. We will talk about that.
Let’s get started.
But, before we get into this reading about Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs, allow me to begin by saying that you will NOT SPEAK English from just READING English or LISTENING to English. You will ONLY improve proficiency in fluency and a better accent from SPEAKING English. And, this is done best when you SPEAK English behind an English Teacher. And you can start doing this by clicking here.
Now let’s begin understanding Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs!
Sometimes words are spelled differently and sound. These words are called Homonyms (such as ‘poor’ and ‘pour’). Can you think of words that sound the same but have different meanings and different spellings?
And, sometimes two words are spelled the same and have different meanings. These are called homographs. Can you think of two words with the exact spelling but different meanings? (Such as minute: 1. It will only take one minute to get there. 2. The soil samples include minute traces of radiation.) Homographs can sound the same as a ‘ring’: A diamond ring and a phone ring. But sometimes homographs can sound different, like, “I live in California.” or “There is live music tonight.”
So what is the difference between Homonyms and Homographs?
Homographs are spelled the same but differ in meaning or pronunciation.
Homonyms can be either or even both. To help you remember: homophones have the same sound, and homographs have the exact spelling.
‘There,’ ‘they’re,’ and ‘their’ are probably the most misused words in the English language. Misused on restaurant signs, in Internet comments, and across bumper stickers. What is it about these words that make their usage so tricky? The answer: they’re homophones.
When two words sound the same and are spelled the same, they are both called homonyms. Can you think of some words that are spelled the same sound the same but have different meanings?
Here are some homophones examples: (die/dye: If you accidentally drank a bottle of fabric dye, you might die.)
Here are some examples of homographs: 1. The clothing store is offering an employee discount. 2. Don’t discount my skills because I’m young.
Here are some Homonyms: address: to speak to location, air oxygen, a lilting tune or voice, arm: body part division of a company.
Can you comment below with one sentence of a homophone, a homonym, and a sentence of a homograph?
Talk with you later!
