What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
homonym
Example
The word 'bank' can mean a financial institution or the side of a river. [homonym: noun]
Example
The word 'bow' can mean a knot or to bend forward. [homonym: noun]
Example
The word 'lead' can mean a metal or to guide someone. [homonym: noun]
homophone
Example
The words 'flower' and 'flour' are homophones. [homophone: noun]
Example
The words 'to', 'too', and 'two' are homophones. [homophone: noun]
Example
The words 'there', 'their', and 'they're' are homophones. [homophone: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Homophone is more commonly used than homonym in everyday language, as it is more frequently encountered in spelling and pronunciation exercises.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between homonym and homophone?
Both homonym and homophone are formal terms used in linguistics and language studies. However, homophone is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
