English is a hard language, that contains several words with multiple meanings. Take a second (measurement of time) to consider all the words that have confused you with their second (placement, after something that has gone first) meaning. Learning these types of vocabulary can be complicated and for advanced English students, but we’ve broken it down into parts to make it easier for you to understand.
Keep reading to learn about the kinds of words that have different meanings, like homophones, homonyms, homographs, and more!
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Words with Multiple Meanings
In English, when we refer to words with multiple meanings, we mean two words meaning that are spelled or pronounced the same but have different meanings. While these type of words may sound the same to you, they can change your speaking level! The three types of words that have different meanings are:
A homonym is a case where two or more words sound the same but have completely different meanings.
However, some cases with similarities in words and pronunciations are homophones. These are considered to be words that sound the same but are spelt differently and have different meanings.
On the other hand, homographs are words that are spelt the same but have different pronunciations and meanings.
There are also Capitonyms, where the word changes its meaning when it’s either capitalized or not.
10 Homonym Examples
Don’t forget homonyms, are words that are spelled and pronounced the same in conversational English but have totally different meanings!
1. Address – Address
I can give you the address of a good Doctor.
That man was addressing me in his speech.
2. Band – Band
The band was playing songs from the 80s.
She ties her hair up in a band.
3. Bat – Bat
I am scared of bats.
It’s his first time to bat in his baseball matches.
4. Match – Match
If you suspect a gas leak do not strike a match or use electricity.
Her fingerprints match those found at the scene of the crime.
5. Mean – Mean
What does this sentence mean?
He needed to find a mean of the data.
6. Right – Right
I’m sure my answer is right.
Take a right turn at the intersection.
7. Ring – Ring
What a beautiful wedding ring!
I heard the doorbell ring.
8. Rock – Rock
He formed a rock music band with some friends while in college.
To mine the ore, they had to dig through solid rock.
9. Rose – Rose
She has a beautiful rose garden.
Crime rates rose by 50% over the Festive season.
10. Spring – Spring
I’m sorry to spring it on you, but I’ve been offered another job.
My favourite season is spring.
10 Homophone Examples
Homophones are words that have different spelling and meaning, but the same pronunciation.
1. Fort – Fought
I will hold down the fort today.
He fought so many wars in his time.
2. Foul – Fowl
There was a foul stench in the air.
The farm had cattle such as fowl, sheep, and cows.
3. Groan – Grown
He let out a groan of pain
She has grown up so much.
4. Holy – Wholly
The priest pours holy water on the child’s head.
The incident was wholly the fault of the criminal.
5. Hour – Our
The concert was over an hour long.
We love our new home.
6. I – Eye
My sister had left to college when I was 25.
I hurt my eye.
7. Know – No
I already know what it means.
He said no.
8. Links – Lynx
The chain links are sturdy.
The lynx is a dangerous predator.
9. Meet – Meat
I do hope we can meet again soon.
I do not like eating meat anymore.
10. Peace – Piece
She hopes he rests in peace.
There was a piece of meat left in the stew.
10 Homograph Examples
Homographs are words that are spelled the same but pronounced differently, and also have another type of meaning.
1. Attribute
Many Scientists attribute the experiment’s success to the good specimens provided.
My physical attributes make me an ideal candidate for the job.
2. Abstract
He enjoys viewing abstract art.
Abstracts of about 300 words in your thesis.
3. Back
I’ll be back in a minute.
He stood with his back to the door.
4. Ball
Bounce the ball against the wall.
We had a ball of a time.
5. Can
Don’t worry, I can work from home.
I would really like a can of soda with my meal.
6. Capital
Cairo is the capital of Egypt.
Please write your details in capital letters
7. Date
The date on the email was incorrect.
They went on a date tonight.
8. Dessert
I like to eat my dessert, before my meal.
I’ve never visited the Sahara dessert, but I’ve heard its scorching hot!
9. Effect
My abusive childhood had a significant effect on me.
Teachers need to effect change in their student’s learning.
10. Fine
I’m fine with pineapple on pizza.
Offenders will be liable to a hefty fine.
10 Capitonym Examples
China – china
China is a country
He displayed much fine china in his home
Divine – divine
The Divine Providence of God
To divine is to discover through intuition.
Earth – earth
The planet Earth
The earth en soil
March – march
The concert is in March
We will march forward
May – may
The match is happening in May
He may come to visit today
Mercury – mercury
The planet Mercury
The mercury in the thermometer is heating up.
Orient – orient
He comes from the Orient – in the Middle East
I will try to orient myself in this new area.
Polish – polish
He is of Polish descent
Please polish my shoes
Titanic – titanic
The sinking of the ship Titanic was a tragic event in history.
That mountain is titanic in size.
Turkey – turkey
I hope to visit Turkey someday.
I love turkey at thanksgiving.
Now you Know Words with Multiple Meanings, No?
Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, and Capitonyms are what make English a tricky and confusing language to learn. Many eager English students can be quickly scared off by these confusing words and rules. We have a great article on online writing courses to keep you going on your language journey.
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