HOMOGRAPHS

Homographs are words which are spelled the same but have different meanings. They usually appear as separate entries in a dictionary.

Examples: The man dug a well in his compound.

They worked well together.

In the first sentence, the noun well means “a spring of water”.

In the second sentence, the adverb well means “in a good manner”.

 

 

Examples of common homographs in the English Language

Some homographs are spelled the same but pronounced differently.

Example: The wind is strong today.

This path winds through the hills.

 

Exercise

Write two meanings of the following homographs and use each of them in sentences of your own.

1. Pen 6. Act
2. Tire 7. Arms
3. Dove 8. Block
4. Wound 9. Box
5. Mean 10. Bank

 

Answer

Exercise

1. Pen – a device for writing

– An enclosure for sheep

2. Tire – to make weary

– The rubber material on the wheel of an automobile or bicycle.

3. Dove – past tense of dive

– A bird

4. Wound – past tense of wind

– An injury.

5. Mean – stingy

– Average

6. Act – a dramatic performance

– Doing something

7. Arms – upper limbs

– Weapons

8. Block – a building

– Obstruct

9. Box – a carton

– Fight with gloves

10. Bank – edge of a river

– A money depository

 

See also:

SUFFIXES

PREFIXES

INTERJECTION

CONJUNCTIONS

PREPOSITION PHRASES