Which term describes words that are spelled alike but have different definitions and pronunciations, as in bow - to the king and bow - in your hair?

Which term describes words that are spelled alike but have different definitions and pronunciations, as in bow - to the king and bow - in your hair?

• A. Homographs
• B. Synonyms
• C. Antonyms
• D. Homonyms

Answer: (D)

Words that share the same spelling but carry different meanings and can be pronounced differently are grouped in the broad idea of homonyms. In this example, bow used for bending at the knee and bow used for a decorative hair tie look the same when written, yet they carry distinct meanings and are pronounced differently. That combination—same spelling, multiple meanings, and varied pronunciation—fits the common classroom use of homonyms. Other terms here describe meaning relationships (synonyms, antonyms) or the shorter, more precise category of words that are spelled the same but may not cover pronunciation changes as clearly (homographs). Here, the idea that a single spelling can correspond to more than one meaning, with pronunciation possibly shifting, aligns best with homonyms.

Words that share the same spelling but carry different meanings and can be pronounced differently are grouped in the broad idea of homonyms. In this example, bow used for bending at the knee and bow used for a decorative hair tie look the same when written, yet they carry distinct meanings and are pronounced differently. That combination—same spelling, multiple meanings, and varied pronunciation—fits the common classroom use of homonyms. Other terms here describe meaning relationships (synonyms, antonyms) or the shorter, more precise category of words that are spelled the same but may not cover pronunciation changes as clearly (homographs). Here, the idea that a single spelling can correspond to more than one meaning, with pronunciation possibly shifting, aligns best with homonyms.