HOMONYMS are words that sound alike but have different meanings. Homophones are a type of homonym that also sound alike and have different meanings, but have different spellings.
Let’s discuss the some of the most confusing words here:
- Affect: To change or influence something
The rain did not affect me.
Effect: Something that happens due to a cause
What was the effect of the rain?
- Complement: It means to complete, supplement or enhance something
Your shoes complement this dress so well!
Compliment: A polite expression of praise
He compliments me every day.
- Principle: A fundamental idea or general rule
What is the principle governing this theory?
Principal: Main or most important / head of an educational institution
This was the principal reason of her visit to China.
- Weight: A measure of heaviness
What is the weight of that parcel?
Wait: To anticipate or expect something
I have to wait for Sam.
- Knight: A soldier in the Middle Ages who served a king
The knights of the round table.
Night: The period from sunset to sunrise in each twenty-four hours
It’s a full moon night today.
- Heel: The lower rear part of the foot
Achilles’ heel
Heal: To restore to health
His hand will take some to heal.
- Stationary: Not capable of being moved
That truck is stationary.
Stationery: Writing paper and envelope
I need to buy some stationery for school.
- Weak: Fragile or not strong
She is too weak to travel alone.
Week: A period of seven consecutive days
My sister is coming to visit for a week.
- Aisle: A passageway between rows and seats in a building
The aisle in the theatre was too crowded.
Isle: A small island
She is vacationing on a remote isle00.
- Idle: Inactive/ to spend time doing nothing
Don’t sit idle, do your homework.
Idol: An object of worship
My father is my idol.
These words may be confusing, but a little practice can help you master homophones!