Homograph:A word spelt the same as another word but has a different meaning and pronunciation

A part of series on English Grammar

HOMOGRAPH

Homograph refers to a word that is spelt the same as another word but has a different meaning and pronunciation.

Homographs include:

Bow – pronounced to rhyme with ‘how’, a verb meaning ‘to bend the head or body as a sign of respect or in greetings’:

• The visitors bowed to the emperor.

Bow – pronounced to rhyme with ‘low’, a noun meaning ‘a looped knot, a ribbon tied in this way’:

• She tied her hair in a bow.

Lead – pronounced ‘leed’, a verb meaning ‘to show the way’:

• The guide will lead you out of forest.

Lead – pronounced ‘led’, a noun meaning ‘a type of greyish metal’:

• They are going to replace pipes made from lead.

Row, slough and sow are other important homographs.