Linguistics & Word Confusions: Homograph

Posted December 31, 2015 by Kathy Davie in Author Resources, Linguistics, Self-Editing, Word Confusions, Writing

Revised as of
7 Mar 2023

A type of linguistic word play, a homograph is a subset of homonym and comprises one or more words (one word is the most common).

If you break homograph apart:

Homo- means same

-graph means drawn or written

This means a homograph is written the same way — has the same spelling. It may or may not sound the same, and it will definitely mean something different.

If the homograph is spelt the same, then it is also a homonym; if it has a different spelling, then it’s a heteronym.

The primary concern for a writer is the possibility of choosing a word with one meaning while thinking it means something else. Choosing the wrong word that doesn’t suit the context, could provide comprehension problems for readers, which can affect your reputation and book sales.

Click here for a quick look at the differences between them -nyms, -graphs, -phones, and -semys.

Table 1. Quick Re-cap of Linguistic Word Play
Spelling Sounds Meaning Example
Homonym
same same different bark (tree)

bark (dog)

Homograph
same same
OR
different
different present (gift)

present (introduce)

Heteronym **
same different different row (argument)

row (of seats)

Paronym **
different different derivative childish from child

preface from prefatio

affect vs effect

Capitonym
same, except

1. Proper Noun
2. common noun

same
or
different
different

1. March (third month of the year)

2. march (high stepping)

Monosemy *
ONE word same only ONE meaning aunt
Polysemy *
same same
or
different
shares a common root mouth (hole in your face)

mouth (cave opening)

Homophone
same
or
different
same different rose (flower)

rose (past tense of rise)


fair

fare

Heterograph
different same different copy right (copy correctly)

copyright (patent)

copywrite (write copy)

* Monosemy is the opposite of polysemy.

** Paronym is the opposite of heteronym.

Linguistics and Word Confusions sometimes . . .

. . . combines the systematic study of the nature, structure, and variation of language (of which grammar is a part), which describes how people use language while the Word Confusion is a pair (or more) of words that are confused spelling-wise with each other. Combining these two categories keeps writers aware of how words are used (or spelled!) determining a character’s social and educational level and the time period for the story.

As I discover more examples, also-known-ases, and additions, I’ll update this post. If you have a suggestion, I would appreciate you contacting me. If you found this post on “Homograph” interesting, consider Homograph to KD Did It, if you’d like to track this post for future updates.

Homograph
Part of Speech: Linguistics, Semantics, Word Play, Figure of Speech
Definition: Words that are spelled the same but have different origins or meanings. How the word(s) are pronounced may be the same or different.
Examples:
address where someone lives
speak to someone in a formal way
advocate speak or write in support of someone or something
person who supports or pleads the cause of another
fair county fair
reasonable
pretty
lie untruth
prone
overall comprehensive, general
loose-fitting protective garment
redress get dressed again
requite for a loss
unionized form a labor union
not separated into ions

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C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!

Satisfy your curiosity about other Linguistics posts by exploring its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Book Layout & Formatting Ideas, Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, the Properly Punctuated, Word Confusions, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.

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Resources for Homograph

Moore, Carol. “Explanation of Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, and Heteronyms.” Buzzy Bee Riddles. n.d. Web. n.d. <http://www.magickeys.com/books/riddles/words.html>.

Skillin, Marjorie E., Robert M. Gay, and other authorities. Words into Type. Third edition. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc: 1974. <https://amzn.to/3YCK74z&g; Print.

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Pinterest Credits

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