Homonyms, Homographs, Homophones

What’s the Difference?

HomonymsWords that have the same pronunciation and same spelling but different meanings.

Here’s an example:Row Vs. RowThey have the SAME spelling, SAME pronunciation, but DIFFERENT meanings.

Row Vs. RowRow Vs. RowRow: use oars to move a boatI had to row the boat for three

hours.

Row: a line of objectsI see a row of wonderful

students in front of me.

HomonymsHomonyms (continued)

Remember: homonyms have the SAME pronunciation, SAME spelling, but DIFFERENT…

MEANINGSMEANINGS

Can you think of Can you think of another example?another example?

Long Vs. Long Long: having great length

This building has a very long hallway. I had to wait a long time in the

dentist’s office. Long: to desire or yearn

greatly I have longed for this moment all of

my life. I long for a piece of delicious

chocolate.

HomographsHomographsWords that have the same spelling but DIFFERENT pronunciations and DIFFERENT meanings.

Here’s an example: Lead Vs. LeadLead Vs. LeadLead (li:d): go in front ofLead (led): a soft, heavy

metalThey have:

Same spellingDifferent pronunciationDifferent meanings

Can you think of Can you think of another example?another example?

Read vs. Read Read (ri:d):

I will read this book tomorrow. (future tense)

I am reading Bridge to Terabithia right now. (present tense)

Read (red): Have you read a good book recently?

(past tense)

HomophoneHomophoness

Words that have exactly the same sounds, but different spellings and meanings.DIFFERENT spellingSAME pronunciationDIFFERENT meanings

Here is an Here is an example:example:To / Too / TwoTo / Too / Two

To: I will go to the store.Too: Are you in that class too? (also)

Two: There are two cows standing next to the fence. (number)

HomophonesHomophones(sound alike)(sound alike)

Notice:Each of these words sound alike,

but they are spelled differently and have different meanings:

ToToo (also)Two (number)

Can you think of Can you think of another example?another example?

Mail Vs. MaleMail: letters/packages

The mail (letter) will arrive on Tuesday.

Male: boy/manMale is the opposite of female.

REVIEWREVIEWHomonyHomony

msmsHomogrHomogr

aphsaphsHomophHomoph

onesonesPronunciPronunci

ation ation (Sound)(Sound)

Same Different Same

SpellingSpelling Same Same Different

MeaningMeaning Different Different Different

ExampleExampless

Row; Row Lead; Lead To; Too; TwoMail; Male

Another Way To Look Another Way To Look At It:At It:

Homonyms: sound alike, spelled alike (row/row)

Homographs: spelled alike (lead/lead)

Homophones: sound alike (to/too/two)

Which ones are

homophones?

Bear

New

Saw

Hear Toe

Pit

Can

Right

Pear

Fear

Which ones are

homographs?

Bear

New

Saw

Hear Toe

Pit

Can

Right

Pear

Fear

WOW!

Stupendou

s!

Excellent!Superb!

Amazing Job!

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