What does homophone mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈhɒməfoʊn/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A word that is pronounced the same as another word, but has a different meaning or spelling.

Examples

• The words “to”, “too”, and “two” are homophones because they are pronounced the same but have different meanings.
• Homophones can often lead to confusion in written and spoken communication.

Synonyms

• Homograph
• Homonym

Antonyms

• Heteronym
• Homograph (in some cases)

Additional Information

Homophones are an important aspect of linguistic study, as they can affect the meaning of words and sentences. Understanding homophones is essential for clear and effective communication.

In language learning, homophones can be a significant challenge, as learners may struggle to distinguish between words that sound the same but have different meanings.

Etymology

The term “homophone” comes from the Greek words “homos” meaning “same” and “phone” meaning “voice” or “sound”.

Usage Notes

Homophones can be used intentionally in language to create puns, wordplay, and clever expressions. However, they can also lead to confusion and miscommunication if not used carefully.

Cultural References

Homophones have been used in literature, poetry, and music to create clever wordplay and double meanings.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Related Words or Phrases

• Homograph
• Homonym

Collocations

• Homophone error
• Homophone confusion

Frequency of Use

The term “homophone” is commonly used in linguistic and educational contexts, but less frequently in everyday conversation.

Common Misspellings

• Homaphone
• Homophine