What are homonyms?

Answer 1

A homonym is a word that is written and pronounced the same way as another, but which has a different meaning. Examples: Lie can mean to tell a lie, or a lie that was told. Lie can also mean to lie down. Homonym: noun: definition: Words with the same spelling and sound, but different in meanings and classification (noun, verb etc.). Example of homonym: book: noun: printed material used for reading; published literary work; a collection of pages. It's time for me to read my book. book: verb: to reserve a place (as in book a flight); to file charges against; to hire somebody (as in book a performer for concert, event, etc.). I need to book someone for the talent show. The word book is spelt and pronounced the same, but has different meanings and classification. More Examples: tie: noun: a piece of fabric worn around the neck. He looks nice in his suit and tie. tie: transitive verb: to fasten. Mom, will you tie my shoe lace? drag: noun: something or somebody boring. He is such a drag! drag: transitive verb: to pull something along with effort. Could you help me drag the tree? sign: noun: advertising notice; information notice. The neon sign shined brightly. sign: transitive verbs: writing of a signature; signals, as in sign language. Could you sign this document?
Homonyms are words that are spelled the same and pronounced the same byt have different meanings. Examples

rose, as is "The river rose after the rain" and "I got a red rose for my wife."

fine, as in "He does fine work" and "He had to pay a fine for speeding" /

More generally Words that are pronounced the same but mean different things are called homophones.

Examples:

to and too ; there and their ; bear and bare , and air, heir, e'er and ere.
Here's two with "true homonyms":

-- The lean man stopped to lean against the post.(thin/rest against)

-- He left and turned left into the alley.(departed/direction)

Here's two with a "homophone" (often referred to as a homonym):

-- He read the red book. (red and read sound alike)

-- It was the strangest scene he had ever seen. (scene and seen sound alike)

Here's one with a homograph, often called a heteronym:

-- Seeing him tear up the photo brought a tear to her eye. (different sounds)

Answer 2

Homonyms are words that have the same spelling or pronunciation but different meanings. They can be confusing in language because they require context to determine the intended meaning. Examples include "bat" (flying mammal) and "bat" (sports equipment).