Which statement best defines homographs?

Which statement best defines homographs?

• A. Words that are spelled the same but have different meanings
• B. Words that sound the same
• C. Words that rhyme
• D. Words that have the same meaning

Answer: (A)

Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings. The key idea is that the spelling is identical, even though what the word refers to changes with context. For example, bat can be a flying mammal or a piece of sports equipment; both share the same spelling but mean different things. Sometimes the pronunciation also changes with different meanings, as in lead (to guide) versus lead (the metal), but the spelling stays the same. This set apart from homophones, which sound alike but may be spelled differently, and from words that rhyme or have the same meaning. So, the best definition is that they are spelled the same and have different meanings.

Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings. The key idea is that the spelling is identical, even though what the word refers to changes with context. For example, bat can be a flying mammal or a piece of sports equipment; both share the same spelling but mean different things. Sometimes the pronunciation also changes with different meanings, as in lead (to guide) versus lead (the metal), but the spelling stays the same. This set apart from homophones, which sound alike but may be spelled differently, and from words that rhyme or have the same meaning. So, the best definition is that they are spelled the same and have different meanings.