In this vocabulary guide we are going to look at the differences between three types of words which are homographs, Homonyms and Homophones.
English is an ocean, comprising of richer vocabulary and formations. Also one of the most demanding languages in the world. Ever wondered why? It’s because of the diverse categories under grammar. Anyone can write or form various type of sentences and essays, but projecting it in an effective way, matters. One can understand the prominence of grammar only when they start understanding and implementing it in their daily usage. Because it’s only when they start to dig the subject in a more deeper way. Now let’s see a very engaging and an interesting branch of English called Homonyms, Homographs, and Homophones.
Homonyms, Homographs, Homophones – How are They Different
There are plethora of words in English language which sound or spell alike but posses different meaning. Tear is the word which have two meanings, which changes with the given subject.
- Her tear is as precious as a diamond.
- I’ll tear your pages, if they look shabby again
See, this is the beauty, where one single word can be used multiple times in multiple ways.
Firstly, let’s define all the three terms –
- HOMONYMS are the words which, “sound alike but have different meanings”. Homo means “same” and nym means “name”. (NOTE : The spelling may or may not be same.)
- HOMOGRAPHS posses “same spelling but with different meaning”. Homo means “same” and graph means “writing”.
- HOMOPHONES are similar to homonyms just that they “they sound alike, possess different meanings and different spellings”. Homo means “same” and phone means “sound”.
Table of Example Words For – Homonyms, Homographs and Homophones
Now, I think you’ve got a better and a wider view about these categories. Now, let’s see some illustrations about these –
| HOMONYMS | HOMOGRAPHS | HOMOPHONES |
| Suit (apparel)
Suit (matches you or not) | Desert (abandon)
Desert (a place filled with sand) | Be (preposition)
Bee (an insect) |
| Lie (not the truth)
Lie (to lie on a surface) | Wind (air flow)
Wind (to conclude) | Here (at this place)
Hear (listen to something ) |
| Saw (tool)
Saw (past tense of see) | Tear (to rip)
Tear (water drop from an eye) | Lead (metal)
Led (past tense of lead – to guide) |
| Fine (about a person’s state of being)
Fine (amount to paid for violating something) | Present (to be there)
Present (a gift) | See – to look
Sea – a huge waterbody |
| Bark (dog’s bark)
Bark (Tree’s bark) | Close (to shut)
Close (nearby) | There – (pointing a place)
Their – (one’s possession) |
| By (a preposition)
Bye (to say that someone’s leaving) Buy (to get or purchase) | Read (present Tense)
Read (Past Tense) | Flower – a flower : Rose
Flour – Raw Material of Food |
Table 1 : AN OVERVIEW OF HOMONYMS, HOMOGRAPHS, AND HOMOPHONES
Just for an understanding purpose, few of the examples have been mentioned, you can also find many more.
So how to know the meaning of the words? One simple etiquette is that, “Know the subject of the sentence and usage, then find the meaning of the word accordingly”. This is the best way, to find out the difference and meaning which works every time you apply. It’s obvious that at a glance, everyone can get confused. But what really matters, is the word usage but not the definition. Because, one cannot remember all the meanings of English words. So understanding and visualizing the usage in the context is the most important point to be noted.
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