Understanding Homophones, Homographs, and Homonyms

What is a homophone?

• A word that has the same meaning as another

• A word that is spelled the same as another but has a different meaning

• A word that sounds the same as another but has a different meaning

• A word that is both spelled and sounds the same as another

Which of the following is an example of a homophone pair?

• Lead (to guide) and lead (a metal)

• Right (correct) and write (to inscribe)

• Bow (to bend) and bow (a weapon)

• Tear (to rip) and tear (a drop of liquid)

What is a homograph?

• A word that sounds the same as another but has a different meaning

• A word that is spelled the same as another but has a different meaning

• A word that has the same meaning as another

• A word that is both spelled and sounds the same as another

Which of the following is an example of a homograph pair?

• Right (correct) and write (to inscribe)

• Tear (to rip) and tear (a drop of liquid)

• Bow (to bend) and bow (a weapon)

• Lead (to guide) and lead (a metal)

What is a homonym?

• A word that is either a homophone or a homograph

• A word that has the same meaning as another

• A word that is spelled the same as another but has a different meaning

• A word that sounds the same as another but has a different meaning