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Homonymy

Ever chat to your friend about baking bread, and you're both confused between needing some flour and kneading some flour because neither of you has provided further context? That's an example of homonymy,  words with different meanings but pronounced and/or spelt the same. The definition of homonymy is rather broad, as it covers both the pronunciation and the spelling, which we will explain further with some examples and comparisons to other lexically ambiguous words!

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StudySmarter Editorial Team

Team Homonymy Teachers

  • 12 minutes reading time
  • Checked by StudySmarter Editorial Team
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      Flashcards in Homonymy 16

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      True or false - Homonymy refers to 'words with different meanings that are neither pronounced nor spelt the same'?

      False

      True or false - Homograph is the broader term for homophone and homonymy.


      False

       Are the words bow in these sentences homophones? 

      • She aimed her bow slowly.
      • He bowed down begging for some money.

      No

      Are the words bear in these sentences homographs?

      • Most polar bears live in the North Pole.
      • I'll bear the consequences of my decision.


      No

      Are the words been and bean in these sentences homophones?

      • I've never been to Spain.
      • These coffee beans were roasted for hours using a special technique.


      Yes

       Are the words entrance in these sentences homographs?

      • The thief ran through the back entrance.
      • He has entranced millions of people with his beautiful voice.


      Yes
      Homonymy Homonymy
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      Frequently Asked Questions about Homonymy

      What is the definition of homonymy?

      Homonymy is the term for words with different meanings but the same pronunciation (homophone) and / or spelling (homograph). Homonyms have multiple dictionary entries (eg as a verb and noun).

      What are some examples of homonymy?

      Some examples of homonymy are band (music band & rubber band), address (to address someone and details of where somebody lives), and rock (to move backwards and forwards and a stone).

      What is the difference between polysemy and homonymy?

      Polysemy refers to words with several related meanings but listed under one dictionary entry eg, mouse, wings, and beam. Homonymy refers to words with different meanings but the same pronunciation and / or spelling, eg, band, address, and rock. Homonyms have multiple dictionary entries.

      What are the types of homonymy?

      The types of homonymy are homophones and homographs.

      What is the difference between homophones and homographs?

      Homophones are words with different meanings but the same pronunciation, while homographs are words with different meanings and pronunciations but the same spelling.

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      Test your knowledge with multiple choice flashcards

      True or false - Homonymy refers to 'words with different meanings that are neither pronounced nor spelt the same'?

      True or false - Homograph is the broader term for homophone and homonymy.

       Are the words bow in these sentences homophones? She aimed her bow slowly.He bowed down begging for some money.

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      StudySmarter Editorial Team

      Team English Teachers

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      • Checked by StudySmarter Editorial Team
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