We love teaching English at BSC – it’s our passion. But while English is a fun language to learn, one thing that can confuse learners is homonyms. Homonyms are words that sound the same but have different meanings. These can also be spelled the same or spelled differently. Let’s take a closer look at English homonyms and learn how to understand them!
Definition of Homonym
A homonym is a word that sounds the same as another word but has a different meaning. Sometimes, homonyms are spelled the same, and sometimes they are spelled differently. Homonyms can make sentences funny or confusing, so it’s important to know which meaning is being used.
Looking at the sentence and observing the other words around the homonym can help you figure out which meaning is being used. Example:
- “I’m blue” (This means sad.)
- “The coat was blue” (This means the colour.)
If someone does not understand homonyms, they may think they are talking to one of these guys!
Examples of English Homonyms
Let’s look at some common examples of English homonyms that you might hear in everyday conversation:
Bat
Bat (the animal): A bat is a flying animal that comes out at night and eats insects.
Example: “The bat flew across the sky.”
Bat (used in sports): A bat is also a tool used to hit a ball in sports like baseball or cricket.
Example: “He hit the ball with the bat.”
Bear
Bear (the animal): A bear is a large, wild animal that lives in forests or mountains. Paddington is a bear.
Example: “We saw a bear in the woods!”
Bear (to carry or endure): To bear something means to carry it or deal with something difficult.
Example: “This music is bad, I can’t bear it!”
Can
Can (a container): A can is a metal container that holds drinks or food.
Example: “I opened a can of tomato soup.”
Can (ability): Can also means “to be able to do something.”
Example: “I can improve my English by studying at BSC.”
Change
Change (to become different): Change means something is becoming different.
Example: “The weather will change tomorrow.”
Change (coins or small money): Change can also mean the coins or small money you get back after buying something.
Example: “I paid with a ten pound note and got some change.”
Club
Club (a group): A club is a group of people who share an interest or activity.
Example: “She joined a chess club at school.”
Club (a tool): A club is also a heavy stick or weapon, used in sports or fighting.
Example: “He hit the ball with a club.”
Date
Date (a fruit): A date is a sweet, brown fruit.
Example: “I ate a sweet date from the tree.”
Date (a time or meeting): A date is a day on the calendar or a special meeting with someone.
Example: “We have a date to go to the movies.”
Light
Light (not heavy): Light means something that doesn’t weigh much.
Example: “This bag is really light.”
Light (brightness): Light can also mean the brightness from the sun, a lamp, or anything that makes things visible.
Example: “Turn on the light, please!”
Park
Park (a green area): A park is a place with grass, trees, and often playgrounds where people can relax or play.
Example: “Let’s go to the park to play soccer.”
Park (to stop a car): To park means to stop your car and leave it in a certain place.
Example: “You can park your car over there.”
Row
Row (a line): A row can be a line of things, like chairs or people.
Example: “There is a row of chairs in the classroom at BSC Manchester.”
Row (to paddle a boat): To row means to move a boat by using oars to push the water.
Example: “We will row the boat across the lake.”
Seal
Seal (an animal): A seal is a sea animal that likes to swim and sunbathe.
Example: “We saw a seal at the zoo.”
Seal (a stamp or symbol): A seal is a mark or symbol used to show something is official.
Example: “The letter was closed with a wax seal.”
Spring
Spring (a season): Spring is the season between winter and summer, when flowers bloom.
Example: “Flowers bloom in spring.”
Spring (a coiled object): A spring is a coil that can bounce back when pressed.
Example: “The mattress has a spring inside it.”
Wave
Wave (a movement): A wave is the movement of your hand to say hello or goodbye.
Example: “She gave me a wave before leaving.”
Wave (water movement): A wave can also be a big moving part of the ocean or sea.
Example: “The waves were huge at the beach today.”
Well
Well (good health): Well means you feel good or healthy.
Example: “I feel well today!”
Well (a deep hole): A well is a deep hole in the ground where people get water.
Example: “We used a bucket to get water from the well.”
What is the difference between homonym and homograph?
Sometimes, homonyms are spelled the same but pronounced differently. This is called a homograph. For example, the word “tear” (to rip) and “tear” (a drop of water from your eye) are pronounced differently, so listening carefully can help you understand the meaning. Be careful not to confuse the meanings when speaking to a native English speaker!
Practice with English Homonyms
Practice makes perfect! By practicing these homonyms, you can get better at understanding how words can have different meanings based on the context. Try using both versions of homonyms in your own sentences. Here are some words you can practice with:
- Right (correct) and right (a direction)
- Fair (just) and fair (a fun event)
- Watch (to look at) and watch (a timepiece)
- Sink (to go down in water) and sink (a kitchen sink)