Wednesday Wildcard: Homographs

Homographs are words that are spelled exactly the same but are pronounced completely differently. They also have different meanings!

To wind /the Wind – To wind (rhyming with bind and find) is to turn something around and around like an old watch. The wind (with an “i” sound like wing, and thing) is the air moving around outside.

To entrance / the entrance – To entrance (with the “ance” sounding like “aunts”) is to mesmerise or hypnotise and captivate the attention of someone. The entrance (with the “ance” sounding similar to ele-“phants”) is the place where you enter a building.

To refuse / Refuse – To refuse (rhyming with confuse) is to say no to something. Refuse (with more emphasis on the “ref” and a shorter “use” sound) is another word for rubbish!

So, if you see a written word you know as a noun being used as a verb, there is a small chance that it is a homograph and might mean something totally different! Use the writing around it (the context) to make sure it means what you think it does.