What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
homophonous
Example
The words 'flower' and 'flour' are homophonous. [homophonous: adjective]
Example
The phrase 'I scream' and the word 'ice cream' are homophonous. [homophonous: adjective]
homophonic
Example
The choir sang a homophonic hymn in four-part harmony. [homophonic: adjective]
Example
This piece of music is homophonic because all the instruments play the same melody. [homophonic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Homophonic is more commonly used than homophonous in everyday language, especially in the context of music. Homophonous is more technical and is typically used in linguistics and language-related fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between homophonous and homophonic?
Both homophonous and homophonic are formal words, but homophonous is more technical and less commonly used in everyday language.