Homonym Meaning in English
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Definition
A homonym is a word that has the same spelling or pronunciation as another word but a different meaning.
Usage & Nuances
'Homonym' is used in linguistics; common homonyms include 'bat' (animal/tool). Don't confuse with 'homophone' (same sound) or 'homograph' (same spelling). The term is formal and mostly used in educational or academic contexts.
Example Sentences
The word 'bark' is a homonym because it means the sound a dog makes and the outside of a tree.
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'Bat' is a homonym for an animal and a piece of sports equipment.
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A homonym can make reading English stories more interesting.
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Kids often get confused by homonyms when they’re first learning to read.
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When you spot a homonym, try to figure out its meaning from the sentence.
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English is full of tricky homonyms like 'tear' (rip) and 'tear' (from your eye).
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