Homonyms: Words with Multiple Meanings
Homonyms are words that have the same spelling and pronunciation but different meanings. Understanding the context is crucial to determine the intended meaning.
1. Bandage and Wound
The bandage was wound around the wound.
- Bandage – Material used to help protect an injury.
- Wound (v) – Past tense of “wind,” meaning movement in a circular motion, wrap.
- Wound (n) – An injury.
2. Produce
The farm was used to produce produce.
- Produce (v) – Make or manufacture.
- Produce (n) – Things that have been grown on a farm: fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc.
3. Dump and Refuse
The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
- Dump – A place for depositing trash.
- Refuse (v) – Not willing to accept.
- Refuse (n) – Trash.
4. Polish
We must polish the Polish furniture.
- Polish (v) – To make the surface of something smooth and shiny by rubbing it.
- Polish (n) – Something or someone from Poland.
5. Lead
He could lead if he would get the lead out.
- Lead (v) – To organize and direct, to be in command.
- Lead (n) – A type of metal, used in bullets.
6. Desert and Dessert
The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
- Desert (v) – To leave or abandon in a disloyal way.
- Dessert (n) – A sweet food eaten at the end of a meal.
- Desert (n) – A place with little rain or snowfall.
7. Present
Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
- No time like the present – Better to do something now than leave it for later.
- Present (v) – To give something to someone.
- Present (n) – A gift.
8. Bass
A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
- Bass (n) – A type of fish.
- Bass (n) – An instrument of the lowest range.
- Drum – A percussion instrument.
9. Dove
When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
- Dove (n) – A white bird, often used as a sign of peace.
- Dove (v) – Past tense of dive, to jump headfirst into something.
10. Object
I did not object to the object.
- Object (v) – To disapprove or disagree.
- Object (n) – A material thing that can be seen and touched.
11. Invalid
The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
- Invalid (adj) – Not valid, not legally acceptable.
- Invalid (n) – A person made weak or disabled by illness or injury.
12. Close
They were too close to the door to close it.
- Close (adj) – A short distance away from something.
- Close (v) – Shut.
13. Buck and Does
The buck does funny things when does are present.
- Buck – A male deer.
- Does (v) – To perform an action.
- Does (n) – Female deer.
14. Sewer
A sewer fell down into the sewer line.
- Sewer – Someone who makes clothes using needles and thread.
- Sewer line – Pipes used to carry human waste.
15. Sow
To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
- Sow (n) – A pig.
- Sow (v) – To plant.
16. Wind
The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
- Wind (n) – The natural movement of the air.
- Wind (v) – To move in a circular or twisting way.
17. Number
After a number of injections, my jaw got number.
- Number (n) – An unspecific amount (1, 3, 6, 10, 15…).
- Jaw – The bone structure of the mouth and teeth.
- Number (adj) – Less able to feel sensation.
18. Tear
Upon seeing the tear in the painting, I shed a tear.
- Tear (n) – A rip, hole, or split.
- Tear (n) – What leaves your eyes when you cry.
- Shed a tear – When you cry only one tear.
19. Subject
I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
- Subject (v) – To cause or force someone to do something.
- Subject (n) – A person or thing that is being discussed.