Homonyms: Words with the same spelling but different meanings
Here are some examples of homonyms with their meanings:
1. Address (noun vs. verb):
* Address (noun): A place where someone lives or an organization is located (e.g., "My address is 123 Main Street").
* Address (verb): To speak to someone, often formally (e.g., "The president addressed the nation").
2. Bat (noun vs. verb):
* Bat (noun): A nocturnal flying mammal (e.g., "The bat flew around the cave").
* Bat (verb): To hit a ball with a bat in sports (e.g., "He batted the ball over the fence").
3. Bow (noun vs. verb):
* Bow (noun): A weapon that shoots arrows (e.g., "Robin Hood used a bow and arrow").
* Bow (noun): A knot or ribbon tied in a loop (e.g., "She tied a bow on her present").
* Bow (verb): To bend the head or body as a sign of respect (e.g., "He bowed to the queen").
4. Can (noun vs. verb):
* Can (noun): A metal container (e.g., "I opened the can of soup").
* Can (verb): To be able to do something (e.g., "Can you help me with this?").
5. Fine (adjective vs. noun vs. verb):
* Fine (adjective): Of high quality or excellent (e.g., "She has a fine singing voice").
* Fine (noun): A sum of money paid as a penalty (e.g., "He received a fine for speeding").
* Fine (verb): To make someone pay a fine (e.g., "The judge fined him $500").
6. Light (noun vs. adjective vs. verb):
* Light (noun): Electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the eye (e.g., "The light from the sun is bright").
* Light (adjective): Not heavy (e.g., "This bag is light").
* Light (verb): To ignite or illuminate (e.g., "She lit the candles").
7. Mean (adjective vs. verb):
* Mean (adjective): Unkind or cruel (e.g., "He was mean to his sister").
* Mean (verb): To signify or imply (e.g., "What does this symbol mean?").
8. Object (noun vs. verb):
* Object (noun): A thing (e.g., "The table is a heavy object").
* Object (verb): To oppose or disagree (e.g., "He objected to the proposal").
9. Produce (noun vs. verb):
* Produce (noun): Fruits and vegetables (e.g., "We bought fresh produce at the market").
* Produce (verb): To create or make (e.g., "The factory produces cars").
10. Right (adjective vs. noun vs. verb):
* Right (adjective): Correct or proper (e.g., "You are right about that").
* Right (noun): A privilege or entitlement (e.g., "Everyone has the right to freedom of speech").
* Right (verb): To set something upright (e.g., "He righted the overturned chair").
This is just a small selection of homonyms. There are many more examples in the English language!