ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Heteronym (linguistics)

Heteronym is a big word that means two different words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. It's like having two friends that have the same name, but they are two different people with their own personalities and interests.

For example, the word "tear" can mean two different things. It can mean the salty water that comes out of your eyes when you cry, or it can mean to rip or separate something apart. Both words sound the same, but they are spelled differently and have different meanings.

Another example is the word "lead." It can mean a type of metal that is heavy and gray, or it can mean to guide someone or show them the way. Again, both words sound the same, but they have different spellings and meanings.

Some words can have multiple heteronyms. For instance, the word "wind" can mean a gust of air, or it can mean to twist or turn something. It can also mean the past tense of the word "wind" which means to coil or twist.

In conclusion, heteronyms are two different words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. They can be confusing sometimes, but it's important to understand the context of the word to know which meaning is being used.
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