Mostly Homonyms

Homonyms are pairs of words (sometimes three or four words) that sound alike, but have different spellings and meanings, such as “side-sighed,” “bare-bear,” and “seen-scene.” This book has been written not only because homonyms pose a problem for many native speakers of English, but because they are also particularly troublesome for learners of English as a second language. This collection does not contain every homonym, but it does contain many of the most common ones. Mostly Homonyms is a new treatment of a traditional topic that is easy to read and use without sacrificing academic relevance. It is intended not only for anyone who wishes to ascertain the correct spelling and usage of a homonym, whether non-native learners of English or native speakers of English, but also for people who just love words.

Mostly Homonyms is a new treatment of a traditional topic that is easy to read and use without sacrificing academic relevance. It is intended not only for anyone who wishes to ascertain the correct spelling and usage of a homonym, but also for people who just love words.

Many of us don't know what a homonym is, yet we use them every day. The Wordsworth Dictionary of Homonyms, the first of its type published in Britain, will bring enlightenment. Do you get confused between 'to', 'too' and 'two'? Do you need to know the five definitions of 'fluke'? If so, then this is the book for you. A boon for crossword addicts, a treasure trove for punsters and an endless source of fascination for anyone interested in the English language.

Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs Homonym a word that is spelt like another word (or pronounced like it) but which has a different meaning, for example Key meaning 'set of answer to problems' and Key meaning 'button on computer keyboard'. The state of being a homonym is called homonymy. Very Important Note: In Strict Sense, Homonyms have same spelling, same pronunciation, and different meaning. HOMONYMS in Strict Sense: Same Spelling / Same Pronunciation / Different meaning Examples: fare, trunk, etc. Fare -- a passenger - Fare -- price Trunk -- a large strong box - Trunk -- main stem of a tree In Wider Sense, Homonyms can also include words that have same or similar pronunciation (but different spelling) Or same spelling (but different pronunciation.) In first situation, they are called 'HOMOPHONES' In second situation, they are called 'HOMOGRAPHS' HOMONYMS In Wider Sense: HOMOPHONES: Different Spelling / Same or Similar Pronunciation / Different meaning Examples: ad/add, know/now, to/too/two ad -- advertisement - add -- to include Note: 'Homophones' are also called 'Heterographs' HOMOGRAPHS: Same Spelling / Different Pronunciation / Different meaning Examples: abuse, bow, close, desert, entrance, fine, incense, lead, object bow -- (Pronunciation - bOU) -- a weapon used for shooting arrows bow -- (Pronunciation bAU) -- to move your head forwards and downwards Note: 'Homographs' are also called 'Heterophones'