What is the difference between homonym and homograph?

Definitions

homonym

- Describing two or more words that have the same pronunciation but different meanings.

- Referring to words that are spelled differently but sound the same.

- Talking about words that have the same spelling and pronunciation but different meanings.

homograph

- Describing two or more words that are spelled the same but have different meanings and pronunciations.

- Referring to words that have the same spelling but different meanings.

- Talking about words that have the same spelling but different origins and meanings.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both homonym and homograph refer to words with multiple meanings.
• 2. Both involve words that can cause confusion due to their similar spelling or pronunciation.
• 3. Both require context to determine the intended meaning of the word.

What is the difference?

• 1. Spelling vs. Pronunciation: Homograph refers to words that are spelled the same but may have different pronunciations, while homonym refers to words that have the same pronunciation but may be spelled differently.
• 2. Examples: Homograph examples include 'tear' and 'lead,' while homonym examples include 'write' and 'right.'
• 3. Confusion: Homograph can cause confusion in pronunciation, while homonym can cause confusion in spelling.

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Remember this!

Homonym and homograph are both terms used to describe words with multiple meanings. However, the difference between them is that homonym refers to words that have the same pronunciation but different spellings or meanings, while homograph refers to words that are spelled the same but have different meanings or pronunciations.