What Are Homonyms, Homophones & Homographs?

Definitions

Homophones

Homophones are words that:

sound the same
have different spellings
have different meanings

“Hare” and “hair” are homophones. A “hare” is an animal and “hair” is what we have on top of our head.

Homographs

Homographs are words that:

have the same spelling
sound different
have different meanings

“Tear” and “tear” are homographs. One means “to rip” and one refers to the “drop of saline fluid” that comes out of our eyes when we cry.

Homonyms

Homonyms are words that:

sound the same
have identical spellings
have different meanings

The word “ring” is a homonym. It has several meanings. A ring can be a sound, a jewellery or an enclosed area.

Homonyms are both homophones and homographs.

Which is Which?

Tip

The words homophone, homograph and homonym have Greek origins. They can be split into smaller words, each with their own meaning.

The etymology of the words “homophone,” “homograph” and “homonym.” “Homophone” means “same sound,” “homograph” means “same writing” and “homonym” means “same name.”

*Name refers to the word itself. It means the same word (same in sound and spelling). Homonyms are both homophones and homographs at the same time.

What Are Homonyms, Homophones & Homographs?

Homophones

Homographs

Homonyms

Which is Which?

See Also