Homographs

In which sentence does the word minute mean 'very small'?

• I will be there in one minute.

• The scientist examined the minute particles under the microscope.

• Please read the minutes from our last meeting.

• Wait just a minute while I find my keys.

Answer explanation

When pronounced 'my-NOOT', 'minute' means extremely small. The other options use 'minute' (MIN-it) to refer to a unit of time.

Match each word to its pair of different meanings.

• An insect / To move through the air

• bat

• A flying mammal / A piece of sports equipment

• ring

• Jewelry for a finger / The sound a phone makes

• fly

Answer explanation

Each of these words is a homograph, meaning it is spelled the same but has more than one distinct meaning.

Sort the sentences based on the pronunciation and meaning of the word wind.

Groups:

(a) Rhymes with 'find' (to twist or turn)

,

(b) Rhymes with 'pinned' (moving air)

• A strong wind knocked over the sign.

• The path will wind around the mountain.

• The cold wind blew through the trees.

• You need to wind the clock every day.

Answer explanation

The meaning of the homograph 'wind' changes with its pronunciation. When it rhymes with 'pinned', it means moving air. When it rhymes with 'find', it means to twist or turn.

Which sentence uses the word 'record' with the stress on the first syllable (REC-ord), meaning a piece of information or an achievement?

• Please record your voice for the project.

• She broke the world record for the high jump.

• Did you record the show last night?

• I will record my thoughts in a journal.

Answer explanation

When 'record' is a noun (an achievement), the stress is on the first syllable. When it's a verb (to capture sound or video), the stress is on the second syllable (re-CORD).

The boat began to sink, so the captain gave the order to (a)   ship.

• desert
• present
• object
• content

Answer explanation

In this context, 'desert' is a verb meaning to abandon. The other words do not fit the meaning of the sentence.

Read the sentence: 'The detective will lead the investigation, but the pencil was made of lead.' How does the meaning of 'lead' change?

• It means 'to guide' first, then 'a type of metal.'

• It means 'a type of metal' first, then 'to guide.'

• It means 'a leash' in both parts.

• It means 'the main part' in both parts.

Answer explanation

The context of the sentence shows the two different meanings of the homograph 'lead'. The first use is a verb (to guide), and the second is a noun (a heavy metal).

Match the sentence to the correct meaning of the underlined homograph.

• To show or give something (verb, stress on 'sent')

• The Sahara is a vast desert.

• A gift (noun, stress on 'PRE')

• Please don't desert your team.

• To abandon or leave (verb, stress on 'sert')

• The speaker will present her findings.

• A dry, sandy area (noun, stress on 'DE')

• I got him a birthday present.

Answer explanation

The meaning and part of speech of these homographs change depending on which syllable is stressed. Context clues help determine the correct meaning.

Sort the sentences into categories based on the meaning of the word content.

Groups:

(a) Meaning: Satisfied or Happy

,

(b) Meaning: The items inside something

• The content of the box was a mystery.

• He felt content after a good meal.

• She was content with her grade on the test.

• Please check the table of contents.

Answer explanation

When 'content' means satisfied, the stress is on the second syllable (con-TENT). When it means the items inside, the stress is on the first syllable (CON-tent).

The word 'bow' can mean a knot with two loops or to bend at the waist. How are these two meanings pronounced?

• Both are pronounced to rhyme with 'go'.

• Both are pronounced to rhyme with 'now'.

• The knot rhymes with 'go'; bending at the waist rhymes with 'now'.

• The knot rhymes with 'now'; bending at the waist rhymes with 'go'.

Answer explanation

This is a key feature of many homographs: the same spelling can have different pronunciations that indicate different meanings. A 'bow' (like a bow tie) rhymes with 'go', while taking a 'bow' rhymes with 'now'.

Read the sentences: 1. 'What is that strange object on the table?' 2. 'I object to your unfair accusation!' How do the stress pattern and part of speech change?

• Sentence 1: Noun, stress on first syllable. Sentence 2: Verb, stress on second syllable.

• Sentence 1: Verb, stress on second syllable. Sentence 2: Noun, stress on first syllable.

• Both are nouns with stress on the first syllable.

• Both are verbs with stress on the second syllable.

Answer explanation

When used as a noun (a thing), the stress is on the first syllable (OB-ject). When used as a verb (to disagree), the stress shifts to the second syllable (ob-JECT).