Homographs: Words Spelled Alike with Different Meanings

Homographs

Homographs are words that share the same spelling but have different meanings (and sometimes different pronunciations).

Classic Examples

• Bank: Financial institution / Riverbank
• Right: Correct / Direction (opposite of left) / Entitlement
• Lead (verb, /liːd/): Guide / Lead (noun, /lɛd/): Metal
• Bow (/baʊ/): Bend at waist / Bow (/boʊ/): Knot, weapon, ship's front
• Tear (/tɪər/): Rip / Tear (/tɛər/): Eye fluid

Distinction

• Homophones: Same sound, different spelling/meaning (e.g., "to/too/two").
• Homonyms: Often used loosely for either; strictly, words both homographic and homophonic.

Context resolves ambiguity in reading; pronunciation distinguishes heteronyms (homographs with different sounds).