Which statement correctly defines homographs?

Which statement correctly defines homographs?

• A. They sound the same
• B. They have the same meaning
• C. They are spelled the same but have different meanings
• D. They are synonyms

Answer: (C)

Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings. This definition fits the statement because a single spelling can represent more than one idea depending on context—like bat the animal versus bat used in baseball. Sometimes the pronunciation changes too, as with lead (to guide) and lead (the metal). The other ideas describe different word relationships: sound the same would be a homophone, and having the same meaning or being synonyms means the words relate by meaning rather than by spelling.

Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings. This definition fits the statement because a single spelling can represent more than one idea depending on context—like bat the animal versus bat used in baseball. Sometimes the pronunciation changes too, as with lead (to guide) and lead (the metal). The other ideas describe different word relationships: sound the same would be a homophone, and having the same meaning or being synonyms means the words relate by meaning rather than by spelling.