Homographs are words that are spelled the same, but differ in meaning. They may or may not be pronounced the same way too.
In order to discern the intended meaning of the word, you must first analyze the context in which the word was used.
List of Homographs
Here is a list of frequently used homographs in everyday English. It is important to note that some of these words have more meanings than the ones shown here.
| Homograph | Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Absent | being away from a place (adj.) | not existing (prep.); not paying attention (adj.) |
| Abstract | a summary (n.) | not concrete (adj.) |
| Accent | a distinct mode of pronunciation (n.) | to emphasize a certain feature (v.) |
| Action | something that is done (n.) | fast-paced activity (n.); a mechanism that makes a machine work (n.) |
| Address | the particulars of a certain location (n.) | a formal speech delivered to an audience (n.) |
| Advocate | a person who gives public support to a cause or policy (n.) | to encourage support of something (v.) |
| Alternate | to happen by turns (adj.) | something that can take the place of another (adj.); to take turns with (v.) |
| Attribute | a characteristic of something or someone (n.) | to ascribe a work or remark to a person (v.) |
| Back | the posterior side of the body (n.) | to return to a previous condition, direction, or place (v.); towards the rear (adv.) |
| Ball | a sphere (n.) | a formal event (n.); squeeze into a round shape (v.) |
| Bank | an institution where you can take care of financial affairs (n.) | the edge of a body of water (n.); heap into a mass or mound (v.) |
| Bar | an establishment for drinking alcohol (n.) | to obstruct or prohibit (v.); except for (prep.) |
| Bark | the make a short and explosive cry (v.) | the exterior covering of a tree (n.); utter something aggressively (v.) |
| Bass | a type of fish (n.) | a voice or instrument that is low in pitch or frequency (n.) |
| Bat | an animal (n.) | a piece of equipment used in baseball (n.); hit something with the palm of the hand (v.) |
| Bow | a weapon made from a curved piece of wood (n.) | to bend the body in a gesture of respect (v.); a knot with two loops and two loose ends (n.) |
| Can | a cylindrical vessel used for food or drinks (n.) | to be able to do something (v.) |
| Capital | the central city of a country (n.) | money used to start a venture (n.); liable to the death penalty (adj.) |
| Carp | a type of fish (n.) | to complain endlessly (v.) |
| Chest | the upper center of the torso (n.) | a rectangular container (n.) |
| Clip | a device that holds things together (n.) | to cut off a piece of something(v.); to fasten with a clip (v.) |
| Close | being near to something (adj.) | to end or conclude (v.); to seal something (v.) |
| Club | an establishment that provides entertainment, food, and drink (n.) | a heavy stick used as a weapon (n.) |
| Dab | to press lightly in a repetitive motion with a soft object without rubbing (v.) | a small amount, a blob of some soft or wet substance (n.) |
| Date | a point in time (n.) | a romantic outing (n.); establish or ascertain the date of (v.) |
| Dear | high in price (adv.) | a very kind and loving person (n.); regard someone with deep affection (adj.) |
| Desert | to flee one's duty or obligation (v.) | a barren area of land (n.) |
| Die | to perish (v.) | to apply color to something (v.); singular form of dice (n.) |
| Discount | a reduction in price (n.) | to take into consideration beforehand (v.) |
| Effect | the results of a cause (n.) | to bring about or implement (v.) |
| Extract | to remove from a fixed position (v.) | a concentrated substance that is drawn out of something (n.) |
| Fall | to move downwards (v.) | the time of the year just before winter (n.); lose balance and collapse (v.) |
| Fan | an avid admirer (n.) | an accessory used to propel wind (n.); spread out in a semicircle (v.) |
| Fast | capable of moving at a high speed (adj.) | to abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance (v.) |
| File | a collection of paper documents (n.) | to submit a legal document or application to the respective authorities (v.); walk in a line (v.) |
| Gas | a state of matter (n.) | a flammable solution used for fuel, cooking, heating, etc. (n.) |
| Gay | a person attracted to the same sex (n.) | to be happy or joyful (adj.) |
| Grave | a hole in the ground intended for burial (n.) | a dignified sense of seriousness (adj.) |
| Impact | the striking of one body against another (n.) | a strong influence (n.); come into forcible contact with another (v.) |
| Incline | a slope (n.) | being disposed toward a certain action, belief, or attitude (v.); have a tendency to do something (v.) |
| Invalid | a person with a disability or illness (n) | not true or acceptable (adj.); to disable someone through an injury or illness (v.) |
| Jam | a sweet mixture of fruit boiled with sugar (n.) | a blockage or congestion (n.); to squeeze or pack tightly into a specified space (v.) |
| Just | the quality of being morally right (adj.) | in the immediate past (v.) |
| Land | the part of the earth that is not covered by oceans (n.) | to descend to a surface (v.) |
| Lead | to guide in a certain direction, course of action, or thought process (v.) | a heavy metal element (n.); the initiative in an action (n.) |
| Light | a source of illumination (n.) | not heavy or burdensome (adj.); to ignite something (v.) |
| Lose | to fail to win (v.) | to cease having something in your possession (v.) |
| Mark | a line, figure, or symbol made as an indication or record of something (n.) | notice or pay careful attention to (v.); to make a visible impression or stain on (v.) |
| Mass | a large quantity of something (n.) | to form into a collective body (v.) |
| Mean | an unkind personality (adj.) | to intend or plan to do something (v.) |
| Mind | the ability for rational thought (n.) | to be cautious of something (v.) |
| Nail | a spike-shaped piece of metal used to join material together (n.) | the thin, horny covering on the tips of your fingers and toes (n.); to stick together with a nail (v.) |
| Notice | a written or printed announcement (n.) | to become aware of (v.) |
| Novel | newly made; having no precedent (adj.) | a work of prose fiction (n.) |
| Nut | a hard-shelled seed (n.) | a crazy person (n.); a small piece of metal with a threaded hole (n.) |
| Object | to disagree or oppose (v.) | a thing with physical properties (n.) |
| Obtuse | intellectually dull or dim-witted (adj.) | an angle that is more than 90° and less than 180° (adj.) |
| Odd | different from what is usual (adj.) | a number that is numerically indivisible by two (adj.) |
| Offense | an affront, insult, or injury (n.) | the action of attacking someone or something (n.) |
| Palm | the inner part of the hand (n.) | a species of evergreen trees (n.); to hide using the palm (v.) |
| Park | an area of land set aside for environment preservation or recreation (n.) | to bring to a halt or store in a specified place (v.) |
| Patient | maintaining composure and temper while waiting (adj.) | a person admitted into the care of a medical practitioner (n.) |
| Pitch | the degree of highness or lowness of a tone (n.) | throw or fling roughly or casually (v.) |
| Plain | lacking adornment or ornamentation (adj.) | an expanse of land that is relatively flat (n.) |
| Quail | a type of bird (n.) | to lose heart or courage (v.) |
| Quarry | a site for mining stone (n.) | the object of a search or pursuit (n.); to mine for stone (v.) |
| Quarter | divide into 4 parts (v.) | lodging (especially for staff or military personnel) (n.) |
| Racket | a type of bat with a round or oval frame used in sports (n.) | a loud unpleasant noise (n.) |
| Read | to interpret written information (v.) | a person's impression of something (n.) |
| Rebel | a person who resists established authority (n.) | to rise in opposition or armed resistance (v.) |
| Resume | to continue doing something (v.) | a summary of educational background, experience, and qualifications (n.) |
| Saw | a tool with a toothed blade used to cut hard substances (n.) | to perceive with the eyes (v.); to cut using a saw (v.) |
| Scale | to climb to the top of something (v.) | the ratio of depicted distance to actual distance (n.) |
| Seal | a design or insignia usually associated with an organization or an official role (n.) | to close securely, to prevent leakage (v.) |
| Sewer | a system of pipes used to drain human waste (n.) | a person who sews (n.) |
| Tear | to forcefully separate into two (v.) | a drop of clear, salty liquid produced by crying (n.) |
| Tie | an item of clothing wrapped around the neck (n.) | to twist around something securely (v.) |
| Toll | a fee paid for some liberty or privilege (n.) | loss or damage incurred through a disaster (n.) |
| Top | the highest part of something (n.) | a spinning toy (n.); to provide with a top or topping (v.) |
| Train | to improve oneself (v.) | a type of transportation (n.) |
| Watch | to observe visually (v.) | a piece of technology used to tell time (n.) |
| Wave | an arched movement of water (n.) | to move the hand back and forth as a form of greeting (v.) |
| Wind | the movement of air (n.) | to tighten the spring of a clockwork mechanism (v.) |
| Wound | an injury to the body (n.) | to be formed in a twist or spiral (v.) |
| Yard | an enclosed area surrounding one's house (n.) | a unit of length (n.) |
Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs
There is a lot of confusion about the differences between homonyms, homophones, and homographs. This is mainly because their definitions can vary, and frequently overlap.
All three share the same prefix homo-, which comes from the Greek word homós, meaning “one and the same,” so they all deal with similarities between words.
We already know that homographs are words that are spelled the same, have different meanings, and aren’t necessarily pronounced the same way.
Homophones, on the other hand, are words that sound the same, have different meanings, and aren’t necessarily spelled the same way (like “heir” and “air”).
The confusion comes when homonyms are added to the mix. Some sources consider homonyms as combinations of homophones and homographs, so they’re words that are spelled and sound the same, but have different meanings. Following this definition, stalk (part of a plant) and stalk (to follow someone) are homonyms.
Others maintain that homonyms can either be homophones or homographs. With this definition, a homograph or homophone can simultaneously be a homonym. So the pairs tee (a t-shirt) and tea (a drink), and duck (a bird) and duck (an action) can both be considered homonyms.
There is no definitive answer as of yet, so you’re free to choose what definition to go with. I prefer looking at homonyms as combinations, because I don’t need to worry about whether to consider a homograph or homophone as a homonym. It allows for less confusion and ensures that my meaning is understood immediately.
What are your favorite homographs? Share them in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- The Most Important Basic Grammar Rules to Know
- How to Use Interjections in Writing
- Parentheses: How and When to Use Them
- Mixed Constructions: What They Are and How to Avoid Them
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
