Discover 53 examples of homographs in English with their meanings and usage. Learn what homographs are and tips for remembering them.
English can be tricky, especially with words that are spelled the same but have different meanings. These words are called homographs. In this article, you’ll learn about 53 homograph examples, along with their meanings, and how to use them correctly. Let’s dive in!
What Are Homographs?
Homographs are words that share the same spelling but have different meanings. The pronunciation of homographs can vary, but not always.
For example, “lead” can be pronounced as “leed” (to guide) or “led” (a type of metal). But, “bark” is pronounced the same whether referring to the sound a dog makes or the outer layer of a tree.
Knowing these variations helps you understand and use English more effectively.
Why Learn Homographs?
Understanding homographs improves your reading comprehension and vocabulary. It also helps you avoid confusion in both writing and speaking. By mastering these words, you’ll be more fluent and confident in English.
Homographs List
Here’s a comprehensive list of homographs with their meanings and example sentences to help you grasp their usage.
1. Address
- Address (noun): A location where someone lives.
- What is your home address?
- Address (verb): To speak to someone.
- She will address the audience.
2. Attribute
- Attribute (noun): A quality or feature of something.
- Kindness is her best attribute.
- Attribute (verb): To regard something as being caused by someone or something.
- He attributes his success to hard work.
3. Augment
- Augment (verb): To increase or enhance.
- The company will augment its staff.
- Augment (noun): A musical term for a specific type of interval.
- The chord has an augment.
4. Bark
- Bark (noun): The outer covering of a tree.
- The bark of the tree is rough.
- Bark (verb): The sound a dog makes.
- The dog will bark loudly.
5. Bass
- Bass (noun): A type of fish.
- He caught a large bass.
- Bass (noun): Low-frequency sound in music.
- The bass in that song is deep.
6. Bat
- Bat (noun): A flying nocturnal mammal.
- The bat flew out of the cave.
- Bat (noun): A piece of sports equipment used in baseball or cricket.
- He swung the bat and hit the ball.
7. Blue
- Blue (adjective): A color between green and violet in the spectrum.
- She wore a blue dress.
- Blue (adjective): Feeling sad or down.
- He felt blue after hearing the news.
8. Bow
- Bow (noun): A curved weapon for shooting arrows.
- He used a bow and arrow to hunt.
- Bow (verb): To bend forward at the waist.
- She will bow before the queen.
9. Can
- Can (noun): A metal container for storing food or drink.
- He opened a can of soda.
- Can (verb): To be able to do something.
- She can play the piano.
10. Cleft
- Cleft (noun): A split or division.
- The cleft in the rock was deep.
- Cleft (adjective): Having a split or indent.
- She has a cleft chin.
11. Close
- Close (verb): To shut something.
- Please close the door.
- Close (adjective): Near or intimate.
- They are very close friends.
12. Conduct
- Conduct (noun): Behavior or manner.
- His conduct was exemplary.
- Conduct (verb): To lead or manage.
- She will conduct the research.
13. Console
- Console (noun): A panel or unit with controls for a piece of equipment.
- He adjusted the settings on the gaming console.
- Console (verb): To comfort someone during a time of grief or distress.
- She tried to console her friend after the loss.
14. Content
- Content (noun): The subject matter of something.
- The content of the book is fascinating.
- Content (adjective): Satisfied.
- She felt content with her decision.
15. Contract
- Contract (noun): A written or spoken agreement.
- They signed a contract for the new house.
- Contract (verb): To decrease in size and become smaller or shorter.
- The material will contract in the cold.
16. Convert
- Convert (verb): To change from one form to another.
- They will convert the attic into a bedroom.
- Convert (noun): A person who has changed their beliefs.
- She is a recent convert to Buddhism.
17. Discontent
- Discontent (noun): Unhappiness or dissatisfaction.
- There was discontent among the workers.
- Discontent (adjective): Not satisfied.
- He was discontent with the results.
18. Dove
- Dove (noun): A type of bird.
- The dove flew gracefully.
- Dove (verb): Past tense of dive.
- He dove into the pool.
19. Excuse
- Excuse (noun): A reason for not doing something.
- He had a good excuse for being late.
- Excuse (verb): To forgive or pardon.
- Please excuse my mistake.
20. Fair
- Fair (adjective): Treating people equally without favoritism or discrimination.
- The judge made a fair decision.
- Fair (noun): A public event with games, rides, and shows.
- They went to the county fair last weekend.
21. Intimate
- Intimate (adjective): Close or personal.
- They have an intimate friendship.
- Intimate (verb): To suggest or hint at.
- He intimated that changes were coming.
22. Invalid
- Invalid (noun): A person with a disability.
- The invalid used a wheelchair.
- Invalid (adjective): Not valid or incorrect.
- The coupon is invalid.
23. Lead
- Lead (noun): A heavy metal used in batteries.
- The pipes were made of lead.
- Lead (verb): To guide or direct.
- She will lead the team to victory.
24. Lean
- Lean (verb): To incline or bend from a vertical position.
- He leaned against the wall.
- Lean (adjective): Thin, with little fat.
- She prefers lean cuts of meat.
25. Live
- Live (verb): To remain alive.
- I want to live in peace.
- Live (adjective): Happening right now.
- The concert is live on TV.
26. May
- May (verb): To express possibility or permission.
- You may leave when you’re ready.
- May (noun): The fifth month of the year.
- Her birthday is in May.
27. Minute
- Minute (noun): A unit of time.
- The meeting lasted ten minutes.
- Minute (adjective): Extremely small.
- The minute details are important.
28. Miss
- Miss (verb): To fail to hit, catch, or reach something.
- He missed the bus this morning.
- Miss (noun): A title used for an unmarried woman.
- Miss Smith is our new teacher.
29. Novel
- Novel (noun): A long written story, usually fiction.
- She is reading a mystery novel.
- Novel (adjective): New or unusual in an interesting way.
- They came up with a novel solution to the problem.
30. Object
- Object (noun): A thing that can be seen or touched.
- The object on the table is a vase.
- Object (verb): To protest or disapprove.
- I object to this plan.
31. Overlook
- Overlook (verb): To miss something.
- Don’t overlook the small details.
- Overlook (noun): A high place with a view.
- The hotel has a beautiful overlook.
32. Park
- Park (noun): A large public green area for recreation.
- We had a picnic in the park.
- Park (verb): To bring a vehicle to a halt and leave it temporarily.
- He parked the car near the entrance.
33. Pen
- Pen (noun): An instrument for writing with ink.
- She signed the document with a blue pen.
- Pen (noun): An enclosed area for keeping animals.
- The sheep are in the pen.
34. Permit
- Permit (noun): An official document allowing something.
- You need a permit to park here.
- Permit (verb): To allow.
- They will permit us to enter.
35. Present
- Present (noun): A gift.
- She received a beautiful present.
- Present (verb): To show or introduce.
- He will present his findings today.
36. Produce
- Produce (verb): To make or create something.
- The factory produces cars.
- Produce (noun): Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- She bought produce at the market.
37. Project
- Project (noun): A planned piece of work.
- The project will be completed next week.
- Project (verb): To throw or cast forward.
- She will project her voice clearly.
38. Read
- Read (verb): To look at and understand written words.
- I like to read books.
- Read (past tense): The past tense of “read.”
- She read the book yesterday.
39. Refuse
- Refuse (verb): To decline or reject.
- She will refuse the offer.
- Refuse (noun): Trash or garbage.
- The refuse was collected yesterday.
40. Ring
- Ring (noun): A circular band, typically made of metal, worn as jewelry.
- She wore a beautiful diamond ring.
- Ring (verb): To make a sound like a bell.
- The phone will ring when someone calls.
41. Row
- Row (noun): A line of things or people.
- They sat in the front row.
- Row (verb): To propel a boat with oars.
- We will row across the lake.
42. Saw
- Saw (noun): A tool used for cutting wood or other materials.
- He used a saw to cut the board.
- Saw (verb): Past tense of “see.”
- I saw a movie last night.
43. Sewer
- Sewer (noun): A pipe for waste.
- The city fixed the broken sewer.
- Sewer (noun): Someone who sews.
- The sewer made a beautiful dress.
44. Skip
- Skip (verb): To move along lightly, stepping from one foot to the other.
- The child skipped down the path.
- Skip (noun): An omission or missing part.
- There was a skip in the recording.
45. Sow
- Sow (verb): To plant seeds.
- She will sow the seeds in spring.
- Sow (noun): A female pig.
- The sow is feeding her piglets.
46. Subject
- Subject (noun): A person or thing that is being discussed or studied.
- Math is his favorite subject.
- Subject (verb): To cause or force someone to undergo something.
- They were subjected to intense questioning.
47. Tear
- Tear (noun): A drop of liquid from the eye.
- A tear rolled down her cheek.
- Tear (verb): To rip or destroy by pulling apart.
- Be careful not to tear the paper.
48. Tire
- Tire (noun): The rubber part of a wheel.
- The car’s tire is flat.
- Tire (verb): To become weary/fatigued.
- I tire quickly after a long day.
49. Train
- Train (noun): A series of connected railway cars pulled by a locomotive.
- The train arrived at the station on time.
- Train (verb): To teach or develop skills through practice.
- She trains every day for the marathon.
50. Watch
- Watch (noun): A small timepiece worn on the wrist.
- He checked the time on his watch.
- Watch (verb): To look at or observe attentively.
- They watched the sunset together.
51. Well
- Well (adverb): In a good or satisfactory manner.
- She did well on the test.
- Well (noun): A water source.
- They drew water from the well.
52. Wind
- Wind (noun): The natural movement of air.
- The wind is blowing hard today.
- Wind (verb): To twist or coil something.
- You need to wind the string.
53. Wound
- Wound (noun): An injury to the body.
- She treated the wound carefully.
- Wound (verb): Past tense of “wind,” meaning to twist or turn.
- He wound the string around the spool.
Tips for Learning Homographs
- Practice Regularly: Read sentences and practice using homographs to get familiar with their different meanings.
- Context Matters: Always consider the context in which the homograph is used. This helps you understand the correct meaning.
- Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with the homograph on one side and its meanings on the other. Review them regularly.
- Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about the meaning of a homograph, don’t hesitate to ask someone knowledgeable or consult a dictionary.
- Write Your Own Sentences: Practice writing sentences using homographs. This will help you use them correctly in real-life situations.
Homonyms vs. Homophones vs. Homographs
Understanding the differences between homonyms, homophones, and homographs can clarify many confusing aspects of English. Here’s a simple guide to help you differentiate these terms:
Homonyms
- Definition: Homonyms are words that are pronounced the same or are spelled the same but have different meanings. Homonyms can homophones, homographs, or both.
- Example: “Kind.”
- Kind (noun) means a type or category of something.
- Kind (adjective) means being friendly, generous, or considerate.
Homophones
- Definition: Homophones are words that are pronounced the same but have different spellings and meanings.
- Example: “Flour” and “flower.”
- Flour is a baking ingredient.
- Flower is a blooming plant.
Homographs
- Definition: Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings and sometimes different pronunciations.
- Example: “Lead.”
- Lead (noun) refers to a type of metal.
- Lead (verb) means to guide or direct.
Key Differences
- Sound: Homophones sound the same. Homographs are spelled the same but may sound different. Homonyms sound the same or are spelled the same. Essentially, homonyms are words that are either homophones or homographs.
- Spelling: Homophones have different spellings. Homographs have the same spelling.
Understanding these differences will help you use words correctly and enhances your communication skills. Keep these definitions in mind as you read and write in English.
Conclusion
Homographs are fascinating and challenging parts of the English language. By understanding and practicing them, you enhance your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Use this list of 53 homographs to expand your vocabulary and improve your English skills.
Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find homographs becoming a natural part of your English use.
Feel free to revisit this list whenever you need a refresher. Happy learning!
The founder of DoTEFL, James is passionate about helping others fulfill their dreams through teaching and traveling abroad.
James has been helping people teach English abroad for over twelve years. He’s traveled to over 30 countries, lived in 3, and taught English in Chile and online.
James has been helping people teach English abroad for over twelve years. He’s traveled to over 30 countries, lived in 3, and taught English in Chile and online.
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