Homonyms are words that share the same spelling and/or pronunciation but have different meanings. They can be tricky, but understanding them enhances your vocabulary and comprehension.
Examples of Homonyms
Here are 20 common examples of homonyms, including pairs that sound alike (homophones) and are spelled alike (homographs), along with their distinct meanings:
Common Homonym Pairs
| Homonym Pair | Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Accept | To take in or receive willingly | Except: Other than; excluding |
| Aid | To assist; assistance | Aide: One who gives assistance |
| Ail | To suffer poor health | Ale: A type of beer (beverage) |
| Air | The invisible gaseous substance surrounding the Earth | Ere: Before (archaic) |
| Aisle | A passage between rows of seats | I'll: Contraction of "I will" |
| Brake | A device used to slow or stop motion | Break: To separate into pieces; a pause |
| Cell | A small room; the basic unit of life | Sell: To exchange something for money |
| Cent | A monetary unit, one hundredth of a dollar | Scent: A distinctive smell |
| Dear | Beloved; an affectionate term | Deer: A hoofed mammal |
| Die | To cease living | Dye: A substance used to color material |
| Fair | Just or equitable; light in color | Fare: The money paid for a journey |
| Flower | The reproductive part of a plant | Flour: A powder obtained from grinding grain |
| For | Indicating purpose or recipient | Four: The cardinal number after three |
| Hear | To perceive sound with the ear | Here: In, at, or to this place or position |
| Knight | A medieval European warrior | Night: The period of darkness between sunset and sunrise |
| Knew | Past tense of "know" | New: Not existing before; recently made or discovered |
| Peace | Freedom from disturbance; quiet | Piece: A part of something; a separate bit |
| Right | Correct or true; the opposite of left | Write: To form letters or words on a surface |
| See | To perceive with the eyes | Sea: The expanse of salt water that covers most of Earth's surface |
| Son | A male child | Sun: The star that the Earth orbits |
