Definition

Referring to words that are spelled or pronounced the same way but have different meanings.

Example

The word 'bat' is homonymic because it can mean a flying animal or a piece of sports equipment.

Conversation

Did you know that the word 'bark' is a homonymic term?

Really? I always thought it just meant the sound a dog makes.

Exactly! It can also refer to the outer covering of a tree.

That's so interesting; English is full of those kinds of words!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Homonymic → It is formed from "homo-" (from Greek "homos", meaning same) and "onym" (from Greek "onuma", meaning name) and the suffix "-ic" (meaning pertaining to). The word "homonymic" refers to words that have the same name or sound but different meanings.

Memory Tip

Think of 'same' ('homo-') and 'name' ('onym') to remember that 'homonymic' describes words that sound alike but have different meanings.

Visually Confused Words