The Ultimate Guide to Homophones and Homonyms | CBSE Class 10 English Definitions, Rules & Examples

Homophones and Homonyms

HOMOPHONES AND HOMONYMS

What are Homophones and Homonyms?

Quite often, a word can have multiple meanings despite having the same sound or spelling. Without a clear understanding of such words, learning English can be quite confusing. It is therefore essential to distinguish between homonyms, homophones, and homographs.

HOMONYMS

Definition: Words that have the same spelling and pronunciation but different meanings.

• Example 1: I can go to the library only after noon. (Can = verb, ability)
• Example 2: The can was opened by a knife. (Can = noun, container)

HOMOPHONES

Definition: Words that have the same pronunciation but different spellings and meanings.

• Mother served us chocolate dessert. (Dessert = sweet dish)
• The boy was stranded alone on the desert. (Desert = dry land)

More Homophone Examples

• “Aye, Aye Captain!” said the sailor. (Aye = old English for “yes”)
• The stone hit the worker in the eye. (Eye = body part)
• The censor board banned the play. (Censor = authority)
• The sensor lights failed to work. (Sensor = detection device)
• The student must cite two examples. (Cite = quote)
• No one was in sight. (Sight = visual range)
• The Wilsons will buy the mansion. (Buy = purchase)
• “Bye, Aunt Kathy!” said Cindy. (Bye = farewell)
• The metals were brazed together. (Brazed = joined by heating)
• The vegetables were braised. (Braised = cooked in moisture)

Homophone Confusions in Sentences

• All the expenses were billed to the company.
• We ate heartily last night.
• Privileges should be based on caste.
• Nathan decided to build a room upstairs.
• Soldiers survive for days without food.
• Isabelle wished for a fairy godmother.
• We were not prepared for the storm.
• The FIR said Jaggu was a minor.
• The ferry leaves in 10 minutes.
• The fir trees were covered in snow.
• She was trained to become a nun.
• The witch cast a spell on Andalusia.
• The wife was in a daze after the murder.
• Polar bears have thick fur.
• Felix had eight pencils in his box.
• Kevin’s father was a miner.
• The main switch must be off in danger.
• The knot was too tight to untie.
• Simba’s mane blew in the wind.
• None of the designs were impressive.

HOMONYMS IN CONTEXT

• The crane shifted the trailer. (Machine)
• The crane stared at the fish. (Bird)
• The file had confidential info. (Documents)
• They will file a complaint. (Legal action)
• The brass vessels were no match. (Comparison)
• The match was well played. (Game)
• The left side must remain blank. (Direction)
• The survivors were left with little. (Remaining)
• He visits his grandfather’s grave. (Tomb)
• It was a grave mistake. (Serious)
• The speaker addressed the crowd. (Spoke)
• The address is incomplete. (Location)
• I won’t support crime. (Endorse)
• The NGO has support. (Assistance)
• The duck swam in the pond. (Bird)
• He had to duck the ball. (Lower head)