11.6: Homonyms
- Page ID
- 36880
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Homonyms are words that sound like one another but have different meanings.
Commonly Misused Homonyms
| principle | principal |
|---|---|
|
Definition: principle (noun). A fundamental concept that is accepted as true. Example: The principle of human equality is an important foundation for all nations. |
Definition: principal (noun). The original amount of debt on which interest is calculated. Example: The payment plan allows me to pay back only the principal amount, not any compounded interest. Definition: principal (noun). A person who is the main authority of a school. Example: The principal held a conference for both parents and teachers. |
| where | wear | ware |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition: where (adverb). The place in which something happens. Example: Where is the restaurant? |
Definition: wear (verb). To carry or have on the body. Example: I will wear my hiking shoes when go on a climb tomorrow morning. |
Definition: ware (noun). Articles of merchandise or manufacture (usually, wares). Example: When I return from shopping, I will show you my wares. |
| lead | led |
|---|---|
|
Definition: lead (noun). A type of metal used in pipes and batteries. Example: The lead pipes in my homes are old and need to be replaced. |
Definition: led (verb). The past tense of the verb lead. Example: After the garden, she led the patrons through the museum. |
| which | witch |
|---|---|
|
Definition: which (pronoun). Replaces one out of a group. Example: Which apartment is yours? |
Definition: witch (noun). A person who practices sorcery or who has supernatural powers. Example: She thinks she is a witch, but she does not seem to have any powers. |
| peace | piece |
|---|---|
|
Definition: peace (noun). A state of tranquility or quiet. Example: For once, there was peace between the argumentative brothers. |
Definition: piece (noun). A part of a whole. Example: I would like a large piece of cake, thank you. |
| passed | past |
|---|---|
|
Definition: passed (verb). To go away or move. Example: He passed the slower cars on the road using the left lane. |
Definition: past (noun). Having existed or taken place in a period before the present. Example: The argument happened in the past, so there is no use in dwelling on it. |
| lessen | lesson |
|---|---|
|
Definition: lessen (verb). To reduce in number, size, or degree. Example: My dentist gave me medicine to lessen the pain of my aching tooth. |
Definition: (noun). A reading or exercise to be studied by a student. Example: lesson was about mortgage interest rates. |
| patience | patients |
|---|---|
|
Definition: patience (noun). The capacity of being patient (waiting for a period of time or enduring pains and trials calmly). Example: The novice teacher's patience with the unruly class was astounding. |
Definition: (plural noun). Individuals under medical care. Example: The patients were tired of eating the hospital food, and they could not wait for a home-cooked meal. |
| sees | seas | seize |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition: sees (verb). To perceive with the eye. Example: He sees a whale through his binoculars. |
Definition: (plural noun). The plural of sea, a great body of salt water. Example: The tidal fluctuation of the oceans and seas are influenced by the moon. |
Definition: (verb). To possess or take by force. Example: The king plans to seize all the peasants land. |
| threw | through |
|---|---|
|
Definition: threw (verb). The past tense of throw. Example: She threw the football with perfect form. |
Definition: through (preposition). A word that indicates movement. Example: She walked through the door and out of his life. |