244 English Grammar Demystifi ed
full of words that are easy to confuse. However, knowing the histories of hom-
onyms, homophones, and homographs may help you remember them. The three
words originate from the Greek language:
- Homonym:homos (same) nym (name); means “same name for two
different defi nitions” (e.g., lead and lead) - Homophone:homos (same) phone (sound); means “same sound” for
two different defi nitions (e.g., compliment,complement) - Homograph:homos (same) graph (spelling); means “same spelling” for
two different defi nitions (e.g., bow of a ship, bow in her hair)
HOMONYMS
From the preceding introduction, you know that homonyms are words that are
spelled alike but have different meanings.
Look at the following examples:
pitch (throw a ball) pitch (a black mineral)
bank (a business offering bank (land alongside or sloping down
fi nancial services) to a river or lake)
In the following list, each homonym is followed by two defi nitions. Familiarize
yourself with both defi nitions before you complete Written Practice 11-1.
bark: hard covering of a tree or plant; a dog’s sound
bat: heavy stick or club, used in sports; only mammal that can fl y
bear: large mammal; to tolerate or support
dear: regard with deep affection; expensive
down: toward a lower place; soft fi ne feathers of a young bird
exact: precise or accurate; infl ict (revenge) on someone
fair: entertainment exhibition; reasonable
fawn: baby deer; a color; to be servile
fi ne: of very high quality; sum of money exacted as a penalty
grave: hole dug in ground to receive a coffi n; giving cause for alarm
just: morally right and fair; barely or simply
kind: considerate and generous; class or type of things having similar
characteristics