Homograph: meaning, definitions and examples

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homograph

 

[ หˆhษ”mษ™หŒษกrรฆf ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

linguistics terms

A homograph is a word that is spelled the same as another word but has a different meaning and may be pronounced differently. For example, the word 'lead' can refer to a type of metal or the action of guiding someone. Homographs are interesting because they can create confusion in both written and spoken language due to their identical spelling. Understanding them is essential for mastering the nuances of language, particularly in English.

Synonyms

homonym, polyseme

Examples of usage

  • Tear (to rip) and tear (a drop of liquid from the eye)
  • Bow (to bend forward) and bow (a type of knot)
  • Row (a line) and row (to paddle a boat)

Translations

Translations of the word "homograph" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น homรณgrafo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฎเคตเคฐเฅเคฃ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Homograph

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ homograf

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพะผะพะณั€ะฐั„

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ homograf

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅŒ็ถด็•ฐ็พฉ่ชž

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท homographe

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ homรณgrafo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท homograf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋™์ฒ ์ด์˜์–ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุฃุณู…ุงุก ุงู„ู…ุชุฌุงู†ุณุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ homograf

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ homograf

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŒๅฝขๅผ‚ไน‰่ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ homograf

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ homรณgraf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะณะพะผะพะณั€ะฐั„

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฐแƒแƒ›แƒแƒ’แƒ แƒแƒคแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ homoqraf

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ homรณgrafo

Etymology

The term 'homograph' is derived from the Greek words 'homo' meaning 'same' and 'graph' meaning 'write' or 'written.' The concept has been part of linguistic studies since at least the 19th century as scholars began to detail the complexities of the English language. The recognition and classification of homographs are essential in the study of grammar and semantics, especially as languages evolve and new meanings emerge. Homographs often illustrate the richness of language, helping learners appreciate the connections and distinctions within words. As English absorbed various elements from other languages, it developed a myriad of homographs, making it both challenging and fascinating for learners and linguists.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,396, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.