Homographs in English

Homographs are words that share the same spelling but have different meanings, and sometimes, different pronunciations. These linguistic twins can cause confusion, as their interpretation often hinges on context. Here's a brief overview:

Homographs come in various forms. Some change meaning based on their part of speech, like "lead" (metal) and "lead" (to guide), while others have distinct meanings despite being spelled the same and serving the same function, like "tear" (a drop of liquid from the eye) and "tear" (to rip). These dual-meaning words can enrich language but also challenge comprehension, requiring readers or listeners to discern the intended sense based on the surrounding words or situation. Homographs play a fascinating role in language, showcasing its complexity and the importance of context in communication.

German

Bär - Bear (animal)

Tragen - bear (to carry)

Fledermaus - bat

Schlagen - bat (to hit)

Buch - book (noun)

Buchen - book (reservation)

Spiel - match (noun)

Passen - match (verb)

Dattel - date (fruit)

Datum - date (calendar day)

Liegen - lie (to recline)

Lüge - lie (untruth)

Blei - lead (metal)

Führen - lead (to guide)

Bank - bank (financial institute)

Ufer - bank (land besides water)

Rose - rose (flower)

Stieg - rose (past tense of rise)

Reifen - tire (wheel)

Ermüden - tire (to become exhausted)

Träne - tear (noun)

Zerreißen - tear (verb)

Spanish

Oso - bear

Soportar - to bear

Murciélago - bat

Golpear - to bat

Libro - book

Reservar - to book

Partido - match

Coincidir - to match

Dátil - date

Fecha - date

Estar acostado - to lie (down)

Mentira - to lie

Plomo - lead

Guiar - to lead

Banco - bank

Orilla - bank

Rosa - rose

Subió - rose (past tense of rise)

Neumático - tire

Cansarse - tire

Lágrima - tear

Romper - to tear

French

Ours - bear

Porter - to bear

Chauve-souris - bat

Frapper - to bat

Livre - book

Réserver - to book

Match - match

Correspondre - to match

Datte - date

Date - date

Être couché - lie

Mentir - to lie

Plomb - lead

Mener - to lead

Banque - bank

Rive - bank

Rose - rose

Monta - rose

Pneu - tire

Se fatiguer - tire

Larme - tear

Déchirer - to tear

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