Which term describes words that are spelled alike but have different definitions and pronunciations?

Which term describes words that are spelled alike but have different definitions and pronunciations?

• A. Homographs
• B. Analogies
• C. Comprehension strategies
• D. Active readers

Answer: (A)

Homographs are words that are spelled the same but carry different meanings. The spelling matches exactly, which is why this term fits the description in the question. Sometimes those same-spelled words are also pronounced differently depending on meaning, and when pronunciation changes, they’re called heteronyms—a subset of homographs. Examples include lead (to guide) versus lead (the metal), and bow (to bend) versus bow (the front of a ship or a weapon). So the term that names words spelled the same but with different definitions is homographs.

Homographs are words that are spelled the same but carry different meanings. The spelling matches exactly, which is why this term fits the description in the question. Sometimes those same-spelled words are also pronounced differently depending on meaning, and when pronunciation changes, they’re called heteronyms—a subset of homographs. Examples include lead (to guide) versus lead (the metal), and bow (to bend) versus bow (the front of a ship or a weapon). So the term that names words spelled the same but with different definitions is homographs.