Homographs
What are homographs?
A homographs are a words with the same spelling - they have the same written form - but have different meaning.
These words may have the same pronunciations (sounds), like ring or may have different pronunciations,
like live.
Why are there homographs?
Homographs usually happen for two main reasons.
One reason is, because the English alphabet contains only 26 letters, the number of letter combinations we can use is limited.
This means some words inevitably end up with the same spelling, even if they have different meanings.
On the other hand, many letter combinations—such as digraphs, trigraphs, and silent letters—can be
pronounced in more than one way. A great example is the word live: depending on how you use it, the
i-e pattern can sound like a short i (to live in a house) or a long i (a live performance).
This flexibility is why the same written word can have two different pronunciations.
Another reason is that some words come from completely different languages but ended up being spelled the same way in
English by pure coincidence. For example, the word bark (the sound a dog makes) comes from Old English,
while the bark on a tree comes from Old Norse. They are two different words that just happen to
share the same written form.
Homograph List
ash
-
powder from burning
Example: By morning, fine ash covered the hill next to the volcano.
-
fast growing tree
Example: The children learnt how to tell ash apart from oak.
-
light grey shade
Example: The walls of the living room were painted in an ash shade that made the space feel calm and sophisticated.
ball
-
spherical sports object
Example: She watched the ball bounce slowly towards the garden gate.
-
formal social event
Example: The royal ball is always one of the most prominent events of the year.
bank
-
financial institution
Example: I need to go to the bank and change some euros before we go to Paris.
-
land beside a river
Example: Let’s go and have a picnic near the river bank!
bark
-
dog's sound
Example: Dogs often bark when they are excited or angry.
-
tree's outer covering
Example: Don’t damage the bark; it’s there to protect the tree.
bat
-
flying mammal
Example: In the cave, we saw a bat hanging from the ceiling.
-
sports hitting equipment
Example: The player grabbed his bat and walked to the middle of the field.
bear
-
large wild mammal
Example: I saw a big brown grizzly bear in the forest.
-
carry, support, or endure; give birth or produce fruit; turn slightly
Example: Apple trees begin to bear fruit in their third year.
Example: The GPS told us to bear left, but we accidentally kept going straight.
blue
-
colour of the clear sky
Example: Jack wore a royal blue shirt to the party.
-
melancholic mood
Example: I don’t know what’s happening to me - I just feel blue.
book
-
bound printed pages for reading
Example: Open your book at page 24.
-
reserve or arrange
Example: I will book a double room for our holiday.
bow
-
bend forward as a gesture
Example: The whole band took a bow at the end of the concert.
-
decorative two-loop knot
Example: She tied a beautiful bow with the red ribbon.
-
curved weapon for arrows; rod for string instruments
Example: He learnt how to hold a bow correctly before shooting his first arrow.
Example: The violinist moved the bow smoothly across the strings.
-
front part of a ship
Example: He went to the bow of the boat and jumped into the water.
break
-
damage, interrupt, or force entry
Example: Be careful, the vase is fragile and will break if you drop it on the floor.
-
a short rest or pause
Example: We need to take a break now and proceed from here tomorrow.
calf
-
young cow or other animal
Example: The brown calf followed its mother closely across the green field.
-
back of the lower leg
Example: I felt a sharp pain in my left calf after running uphill.
can
-
be able to
Example: Can we go to the cinema on Saturday?
Example: I can take you to the train station if you’d like.
-
metal container
Example: I ate a can of lentil soup for dinner.
change
-
modify or exchange something
-
coins returned after paying
Example: He emptied his wallet and counted all the change.
chest
-
upper front part of your body
Example: Chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack.
-
large storage box with lid
Example: He found a chest full of old photos in the attic.
close
-
shut or lock something
Example: Please close the window; I feel cold.
-
near in space or time
Example: Our hotel was close to the beach.
-
intimate and caring relationship
Example: My brother and I are close. We share everything.
cool
-
not warm, slightly cold; lower something’s temperature
Example: I love swimming in the cool water in the morning.
Example: The rain can cool the air down.
-
stylish, trendy
Example: You look cool in those sunglasses.
correspond
-
match exactly
Example: All of your answers should correspond to the questions.
-
communicate through writing
Example: We correspond through messages to finish our group project.
court
-
place for legal decisions
Example: The judge asked the witness to speak in court.
-
area for playing certain sports
Example: I watched a basketball game at the court today.
-
monarch’s residence
Example: The queen’s court is always busy with important meetings.
crane
-
lifting machine
Example: The crane carries huge pieces of concrete with great care.
-
bird with long legs
Example: The crane searches for food in the shallow water.
cricket
-
a bat-and-ball team sport
Example: He hit the cricket ball so hard that it landed outside the field.
-
a jumping, chirping insect
Example: The loud chirping of a cricket kept me awake all night.
cross
-
intersecting line shape; religious symbol
Example: Please mark your final answer with a small cross on the exam sheet.
Example: There is a large stone cross standing at the top of the old church hill.
-
go across
Example: I usually cross the bridge on my way to work.
-
angry or annoyed
Example: Our neighbour gets cross if our dog barks too loudly all night.
current
-
actually
Example: The current version of the app has several new features.
-
flow of air, water or electricity
Example: The small fish swam against the river current to find food.
descent
-
downward motion, slope
Example: Her descent into the dark cave was both thrilling and terrifying.
-
a person’s family background
Example: Blue eyes and fair hair are most common amongst people of Northern descent.
desert
-
dry area with little rain
Example: Finally, they found an oasis in the middle of the desert.
-
abandon or leave empty
Example: If you desert your post, you have to face the consequences
direct
-
straight or immediate without stops
Example: There is a direct train to London, which makes the journey faster.
-
honest and open
Example: He’s too direct sometimes and may sound rude.
-
instruct, manage, or guide
Example: The world-famous conductor will direct the orchestra tonight.
disorder
-
abnormal medical condition
Example: She was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder.
-
state of chaos
Example: The room was in complete disorder after the party.
duck
-
waterbird with webbed feet
Example: I saw a duck swimming quietly across the pond.
-
quickly lower head or body
Example: Duck when you go through that low tunnel!
fair
-
light or pale tone
Example: His girlfriend has fair hair and blue eyes.
-
a public event with entertainment and exhibits
Example: The town hosted an arts and crafts fair last week.
-
equally treated or acceptable
Example: She won a fair play award for assisting her fallen opponent.
fan
-
device for moving air; move air for cooling
Example: I turned on the fan because the room was too hot.
Example: She used her hat to fan the air and cool down.
-
enthusiastic admirer
Example: He became a fan of the band after their first album.
fare
-
price paid for travel
Example: How much is the taxi fare to the city centre?
-
be or progress in a condition
Example: Joan hopes to fare better in her exams this year.
fast
-
quick, not slow
Example: He tried to run as fast as he could to catch the bus.
-
restricted eating period
Example: The doctor told him to fast before the blood test.
fine
-
financial penalty
Example: If you damage public property, you may have to pay a fine.
-
acceptable or good; healthy or in good condition
Example: The film was fine, but I preferred the book.
Example: I was feeling a bit dizzy this morning, but I am totally fine now.
-
delicate, thin, very small
Example: Her hair was so fine that it dried very quickly.
fire
-
mass of burning flames
Example: Please stay close to the fire because the wind is getting colder
-
dismiss from job
Example: The company decided to fire the lazy employee after giving him three warnings.
-
shoot a weapon
Example: The guards are trained to fire only if they are under direct attack.
firm
-
business or company
Example: Our engineering firm designed the new bridge over the river.
-
solid, steady, or determined
Example: He spoke in a firm voice and told everyone to be quiet.
fit
-
be right size or suitable
Example: I think this hat will fit your style very well.
-
healthy and strong
Example: She stays fit by swimming every weekend.
-
install or put into place
Example: The shop decided to fit a new alarm system.
fly
-
small flying insect
Example: There is a fly on the wall.
-
move through air
Example: Planes fly high in the sky.
gear
-
special equipment for an activity
Example: The hikers carried their camping gear in large backpacks.
-
toothed wheel in a machine
Example: One gear turns another to make the machine work.
grate
-
rub into small pieces
Example: To make the salad extra tasty, grate some fresh Parmesan cheese over it.
-
a metal frame with bars
Example: He had to lift the grate to clean the fireplace.
great
-
very large in size
Example: I feel great after a long walk in the park.
-
prefix for important names
Example: The Great Fire of London destroyed much of the city in 1666.
-
one generation beyond grand-
Example: We celebrated my great-grandfather’s 100th birthday last year.
heading
-
main title of a section
Example: Each chapter in the book has its own heading.
-
direction of movement
heel
-
back of foot or shoe; end piece of bread
Example: She prefers shoes with a low heel for everyday use.
-
command to a dog
Example: “Heel! Sit. Stay!” the trainer practised the commands one by one.
interest
-
curiosity or attention
Example: Because of the growing interest in the book, the publisher decided to reprint it.
-
charge for borrowing or saving
Example: The interest rate on my student loan will increase next year.
judge
-
form opinion or decide winner
Example: It’s wrong to judge someone too quickly.
-
legal or competition decider
Example: The judge’s decision surprised everyone in the courtroom.
knot
-
tightly tied loop; tie something into a tight loop
Example: The scouts practised tying a new type of knot for survival training.
-
hard, round spot in wood
Example: He made sure to pick a piece of wood for his project without a visible knot.
-
unit of speed for ships or planes
Example: The racing yacht set a record with a 45-knot run during the competition.
land
-
solid surface of Earth; area, region
Example: After a long trip, they finally saw land.
Example: Japan is the land of the rising sun.
-
return to the ground
Example: Our plane will land at 10 o’clock.
lead
-
electrical conductor wire
Example: He used a special device to check if the lead was conducting electricity properly.
-
direct or guide; main performer; currently in first place
Example: The plan should be approved by the lead architect.
-
strap for guiding animals
Example: Don’t forget the lead if you take the dog for a walk.
-
toxic heavy metal
Example: The antique coins were made of a mix of lead and other metals.
lean
-
incline or rest against
Example: The dancers lean to the left side during the first part.
-
thin with little fat
Example: This restaurant serves several dishes with lean turkey.
left
-
opposite of right
Example: He wears his watch on his left wrist.
-
past tense of leave; remained or still existed
Example: She left a note for me on the table.
lie
-
move or be in a flat position
Example: We often lie on the carpet and play board games.
-
false statement
Example: It is never a good idea to lie to your best friends.
light
-
energy or a device that makes things visible
Example: The room was filled with soft light from the windows.
-
not heavy, pale, or low-calorie
Example: The parcel was so light that I could carry it with one hand.
-
ignite or switch on
Example: I will light a candle if the electricity goes off again.
like
-
enjoy or feel positively about
Example: I like singing in the bathroom.
-
indicating similarity
Example: The baby looks like his mother.
live
-
place of residence; stay alive; way of life
Example: I’d like to live on a farm and raise animals and plants.
-
real-time event
Example: They’ll broadcast Cher’s concert live on TV.
-
alive or active
Example: This store sells live fish for aquariums.
match
-
stick for starting a fire
Example: The match won’t spark if it’s wet.
-
go well together
Example: She always chooses gloves that match her scarf perfectly.
-
sport competition or game
Example: If we win this match, we’ll be champions.
may
-
indicates possibility; ask for permission
Example: I may need your help to finish my homework.
Example: May I have a glass of water, please?
-
the fifth month
Example: We are going to travel to London in May.
mean
-
represent or signify something
Example: A white flag can mean that someone wants peace.
-
average of numbers
Example: I calculated the mean twice because my first answer seemed too high.
-
unkind or not generous
Example: If you are mean to your classmates, nobody will want to play with you.
minute
-
60 seconds
Example: I had only one minute left to answer the last two questions.
-
extremely small
Example: Every minute detail is important during the investigation.
nail
-
hard fingertip covering
Example: I cut my nail too short and it hurts now.
-
small flat-headed metal fastener
Example: He hit the nail into the wall with a hammer.
net
-
mesh fabric
Example: She placed a mosquito net over her bed during the camping trip.
-
amount after deduction
Example: He wanted to check his net earnings for the year.
-
short form of the Internet
Example: I found some useful information on the net about Spain.
order
-
arrangement or pattern
Example: The books in the library are arranged by theme, not in alphabetical order.
-
command, instruction
Example: The children followed the teacher’s order to tidy up the classroom.
-
list of requested items
Example: I placed an order online for new office supplies yesterday.
-
organised state
Example: His wardrobe is always in perfect order, with everything neatly folded.
park
-
public green area
Example: We took the kite with us to the park to fly it.
-
stop and leave vehicle temporarily
Example: We need to park our car close to the station.
passed
-
declined participation
Example: He passed on answering that difficult question during the game.
Example: I passed on the sprinting race and chose to compete in the long jump instead.
-
moved by something
Example: I passed the park on my way to work.
-
gave to someone
Example: She passed me the salt at the dinner table.
-
succeeded in an exam
Example: I passed my driving test on the first try.
-
went away or faded
Example: A rainbow appeared after the rain passed.
Example: The time passed so quickly during the weekend.
-
died
Example: My grandfather passed away last year, and we miss him very much.
past
-
beyond in space or time
Example: She walked past the school.
Example: Why does she always walk past without saying hello?
-
verb form for past actions
Example: The teacher explained that ’went’ is the past tense of ’go’.
-
time before now; already happened
Example: We learn about the past in history class.
Example: The city has changed a lot over the past century.
patient
-
person receiving medical care
Example: The nurse checked the patient’s heart rate and oxygen level every hour.
-
calm while waiting
Example: We had to be patient while waiting in the long queue at the airport security checkpoint.
pen
-
writing instrument
Example: Could I please borrow your pen to fill out this form?
-
animal enclosure
Example: A strong wooden pen keeps the animals safe during the night.
plain
-
large flat area of land
Example: The plain stretched as far as we could see.
-
simple, not fancy
Example: I want a plain notebook without pictures.
Example: I always drink my tea plain, without sugar, milk, or lemon.
plane
-
a flying vehicle
Example: They watched the plane take off from the airport window.
-
a flat, two-dimensional surface
Example: A square is a two-dimensional shape, so it must lie in a single plane.
-
wood-smoothing tool or action
Example: The door won’t close unless you plane the bottom.
Example: You need a sharp plane to make the wood smooth.
plaster
-
adhesive wound strip
Example: The nurse put a colourful plaster onto the child’s knee.
-
building material
Example: The old wall was covered with plaster before it was painted.
present
-
current time, now
Example: We live in Alaska at present, but we’ll move to Canada later this year.
-
a gift given to someone
Example: She unwrapped the beautifully wrapped present with great excitement.
-
not absent, participate
Example: The headteacher was not present at the school assembly.
-
to show or give something
Example: The students will present their projects next week.
read
-
past tense of read
Example: He read his book before he went to bed.
-
look at and understand written words
Example: We can read a lot of interesting articles online.
recall
-
remember
Example: I wish to recall my childhood memories, but it’s difficult.
-
remove or product return
Example: They decided to recall all toys that failed the safety test.
regular
-
polygon with equal sides and angles
Example: A regular shape, like a square, has all sides and angles equal.
-
steady, typical, or ordinary
Example: They have regular meetings every Monday morning.
Example: Would you like regular fries or cheesy fries?
resident
-
doctor in hospital training
Example: The resident checked all the patients at the end of her shift.
-
person living in a place
Example: As a resident, you can use the pool at any time, free of charge.
return
-
go or send back
Example: After a year abroad, he tried to return to his studies.
Example: Once you’ve read the book, please return it to the library.
-
a two-way ticket
Example: Most of the time, a return ticket is cheaper than two singles.
-
profit from investment
Example: The investment is expected to return a 10% profit.
right
-
opposite of left
Example: Please turn right at the next corner; we’re nearly there.
-
a legal or moral entitlement
Example: You have the right to ask for help if you need it.
-
correct, true, or suitable
Example: What is the right way to solve this problem?
-
exactly or directly
Example: Your glasses are right next to your keys on the table.
ring
-
circular, hollow object
Example: He proposed to her with his grandmother’s wedding ring.
Example: Each ring of the Olympic symbol represents a continent.
-
bell or phone tone; phone call
Example: The bell will ring three times to mark the end of the game.
Example: Don’t forget to ring your mother when you arrive.
-
an enclosed area for sport or other events
Example: The boxers sit in opposite corners of the ring between rounds.
rock
-
piece of stone
Example: Although the rock looked ordinary, it had beautiful crystals inside.
-
back and forth movement
Example: I rock in my chair while reading a novel.
-
kind of music
Example: My brother loves to listen to rock when he drives his car.
roll
-
small, round bun
Example: My favourite breakfast is a sausage roll with a cup of hot coffee.
-
move by turning over#fold into a round shape#flatten dough
Example: The children love to roll down the grassy bank in the park.
Example: Please roll the dough until it becomes thin and smooth.
rose
-
scented flower
Example: She placed a rose beside the birthday card.
-
simple past of rise
Example: The balloon rose slowly into the clear blue sky.
-
light to medium pink
Example: A rose-coloured ribbon tied the gift box neatly.
row
-
line of items; street name
Example: I was the third in the row when the fire alarm suddenly went off.
-
move a boat with oars
Example: We decided to row across the lake before sunset.
-
loud emotional argument
Example: They had a row about who should do the cleaning.
ruler
-
measuring tool
Example: I always keep a ruler in my pencil case for geometry class.
-
leader of a country
Example: A ruler announced a series of reforms to improve education.
saw
-
tool with toothed edge; cut with a sharp toothed tool
Example: My dad used a saw to cut the old wooden door.
-
simple past of see
Example: We saw a rainbow after the rain.
scene
-
the location where something happens
Example: The investigation took place at the murder scene.
-
uninterrupted story segment
Example: In the next scene, the hero finds the hidden treasure.
Example: I want to cry every time I see that heartbreaking scene in the film.
seal
-
marine mammal
Example: The seal swam quickly through the cold ocean water to catch its dinner.
-
securely close something; airtight or watertight closure
Example: We used tape to seal the card box before we put it into the car.
Example: This water bottle is completely leak-proof because it has a special airtight seal.
sentence
-
group of grammatically correct words
Example: The teacher checked whether every sentence was grammatically correct.
-
official punishment
Example: The judge will give the final sentence to the criminal tomorrow morning.
set
-
collection of distinct objects
Example: This set of questions will help you prepare for the exam.
-
group of items
Example: She bought a new set of kitchen knives for her cooking class.
-
put something in place; determine a value; arrange or prepare something; become solid; initiate something; descend below the horizon; reposition a broken bone; fixed, arranged, or established; unyielding attitude
Example: Please set the keys on the counter so you don’t lose them.
Example: The staff will set the tables before the guests arrive.
Example: He used a match to set the logs on fire in the stove.
Example: Her mind was set on studying abroad, no matter the challenges.
-
scenery for a performance
Example: The film set looked so realistic that visitors felt they were in ancient Rome.
-
scoring unit in sports
Example: She won the first set easily, but the second set was much harder.
sink
-
bowl for washing
Example: He brushed his teeth at the bathroom sink.
-
go under surface
Example: The boat started to sink after it hit a rock.
spell
-
say or write letters in correct order
Example: Sometimes I get confused about how to spell words like ‘necessary’.
-
magical words
Example: The fairy broke the witch’s spell by casting another one.
-
short period of time
Example: According to the forecast, we’ll have a rainy spell next week.
spring
-
season after winter
Example: We usually plant vegetables in the garden during spring.
-
source of fresh water
Example: A spring emerged from the rocks, forming a tiny pool.
-
coiled mechanical device
Example: A tiny spring keeps the battery in place in the torch.
-
sudden jump or appearance
Example: The rabbit seemed to spring out of nowhere, right in front of the car.
stable
-
building for horses
Example: The farmer put fresh straw on the floor of the stable.
-
firm and steady; emotionally balanced
Example: We need a stable internet connection to watch the live match.
star
-
bright ball of gas in space
Example: Every star produces its own light and heat.
-
famous or popular person
Example: The film star arrived at the cinema with her fans.
-
shape with pointed arms
Example: After finishing the task, the child received a star as a reward.
stick
-
thin piece of wood, tool, or sports equipment
Example: The boy had made a small flag and attached it to a stick.
-
attach to a surface
Example: Stick the two pieces together and hold them for a few seconds.
stroke
-
medical emergency affecting brain
Example: A stroke can affect a person’s movement, speech or memory.
-
gentle hand movement
Example: The little girl wanted to stroke every animal at the farm.
-
swimming technique
Example: The swimmer’s stroke became stronger after months of training.
-
act of hitting a ball
Example: The tennis academy helps young players develop their baseline stroke.
-
single mark made by a writing tool
Example: He made a short stroke with the pencil.
-
clock's time indication
Example: We heard the first stroke of the clock at midnight.
tear
-
damage by ripping
Example: The tear in his jeans made them look cool.
-
salty liquid from the eyes
Example: A tear appeared in his eye because of the cold wind.
title
-
name of a creative work
Example: I forgot the title of the song she played.
-
official rank or position
Example: The knight was given a noble title by the king.
train
-
vehicle on rails
Example: You can take that train; it goes directly to the airport.
-
practise or teach skills
Example: I want to train my dog to follow basic commands.
turn
-
change direction; rotate; change state; activate or deactivate
Example: Please turn the doorknob to open the door.
Example: I like it when the leaves turn yellow in autumn.
-
chance to do something
Example: The children were excited before their turn in the presentation.
type
-
input text with a keyboard
Example: I prefer to type my notes instead of writing them by hand.
-
category of things or people; letter style and shape
Example: He always buys the newest type of phone.
watch
-
small clock on your wrist
Example: Every night she takes off her watch and puts it on the bedside table.
-
observe; guard or monitor
Example: Watch your head! The door is low.
wave
-
repeated rising-and-falling pattern
Example: Children screamed with joy as a wave rolled over their feet.
Example: They announced that a cold wave would come soon.
-
greeting or farewell gesture
Example: She gave him a quick wave before boarding the train.
well
-
deep hole for water
Example: She got water from the well.
-
healthy
Example: I hope you get well soon!
-
in a good way
Example: My sister draws really well.
wind
-
moving air
Example: The wind pushed the clouds across the sky.
-
turn or twist
Example: She showed me how to wind the cable around the pole.