Homophones & Homographs

Front

What are homophones?

Back

Words that sound the same but have different meanings and often different spellings, such as 'to', 'two', and 'too'.

Front

What are homographs?

Back

Words that are spelled the same but have different meanings and may have different pronunciations, such as 'lead' (to guide) and 'lead' (a type of metal).

Front

Provide an example of a homophone.

Back

'bare' (without covering) and 'bear' (the animal).

Front

Provide an example of a homograph.

Back

'tear' (to rip) and 'tear' (a drop of liquid from the eye).

Front

What does the word 'light' mean in the context of the sentence: 'The grocery bag was light because it was packed with bread and hotdog buns.'?

Back

Not heavy.

Front

What does the word 'bow' mean in the context of the sentence: 'The singer made a low bow to the audience after the concert.'?

Back

A bend at the waist.

Front

What does the word 'present' mean in the context of the sentence: 'All the students were present today.'?

Back

Here.

Front

What is the meaning of the word 'break' in the context of the sentence: 'I need to take a ________ from teaching and find some other profession.'?

Back

A pause or rest from work.

Front

What does the word 'loose' mean in the context of the sentence: 'Carlo's pants were much too loose after his weight loss.'?

Back

Not tight.

Front

How can context help determine the meaning of homophones?

Back

Context provides clues about which meaning of the homophone is appropriate in a given situation.