Homonyms
English Language: KS3, topic 1.6.1
Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelt the same and sound the same but have different meanings.
Homonyms
- Sometimes the same word can have multiple meanings.
- Words with multiple meanings are called homonyms.
- Homonyms are spelt the same and sound the same but have different meanings in different contexts.
Homonyms example 1 - seal
- 'The seal of the cup was broken. The seal splashed into the water.'
- We can use the words and sentences around a homonym to help us determine which meaning the author intends.
Homonyms example 2 - bark
- 'Patch ran as fast as his four legs could take him, and his desperate bark echoed around the deserted valley.'
- We can deduce that, in this context, the author means a dog’s bark.
- The author does NOT mean the bark of a tree.
Homonyms example 3 - bark
- 'They stripped the bark off the tall trunk to remove the tree sap which they used as glue.'
- We can deduce that, in this context, the author means a tree’s bark.
- The author does NOT mean a dog's bark.
Test yourself on Homonyms
Select the homonym from the following sentence:
'I am the kind of person who likes to help others. I am a kind person.'What is the meaning of 'match' in this sentence?
'I couldn't find a match to light the bonfire'What is the meaning of 'right' in this sentence?
'I was right to think that I could improve my work'