Learn about the difference between the homophones: seal, ceil and seel

Definitions

seal

Seal is a noun that refers to a large, aquatic mammal with flippers and a streamlined body. It can also be used as a verb meaning to close or fasten securely.

Example

The seal was basking in the sun on the rocks.

Example

Please seal the envelope before you mail it.

ceil

Ceil is a verb that means to line or cover the upper part of a room with material such as plaster or wood.

Example

The walls and ceiling were painted white.

Example

We need to ceil this room before we can start decorating it.

seel

Seel is a verb that means to sew shut the eyelids of a bird of prey in order to keep it calm.

Example

The falconer had to seel the bird's eyes to keep it calm.

Example

Seeling is a common practice among falconers.

Tips To Remember the Differences

Here are a few tips to easily distinguish the difference between these words while keeping in mind the description we've provided:

- To remember the difference between seal and ceil, think of the a in seal as representing the ocean where seals live. - For ceil, think of the i as representing the upward direction of the ceiling. - To remember seel, think of the e as representing the eyes of the bird being sewn shut.