Homograph
Homographs are
words with different pronunciation, meanings and origins but the same spelling.
They are not to be confused with homonyms,
homophones and heteronyms. In order to work out which pronunciation and which
meaning is appropriate, you need to be aware of the context. Here are a few
homographs and their meanings:
bass – type of fish OR low, deep voice
bat - piece of sports equipment OR an animal
bow – type of knot OR to incline
down – a lower place OR soft fluff on a bird
entrance – the way in OR to delight
evening – smoothing out OR after sunset
fine – of good quality OR a levy
learned – past tense of learn OR knowledgeable
minute – tiny OR unit of time
moped – was gloomy OR motorcyle
number – more numb OR numerical value
row – line OR argument OR propel a boat
sewer – drain OR person who sews
wave – move the hand in greeting OR sea water coming into shore
wound – past tense of wind OR to injure