Which term describes a word that is spelled the same as another word but pronounced differently?

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Multiple Choice

Which term describes a word that is spelled the same as another word but pronounced differently?

The main idea is identifying a word that is spelled the same as another but is pronounced differently. That relationship is described by a heteronym. Heteronyms are a specific kind of homograph—words that share the same spelling—but with different pronunciations and often different meanings. For example, lead can be pronounced to rhyme with “reed” when it means to guide, or like “led” when it refers to the metal; same spelling, different sounds and meanings. Polyphone isn’t the standard term for this relationship; it’s used in some contexts to describe multiple pronunciations of a single word, but the label that captures two words that look identical yet sound different is heteronym.

The main idea is identifying a word that is spelled the same as another but is pronounced differently. That relationship is described by a heteronym. Heteronyms are a specific kind of homograph—words that share the same spelling—but with different pronunciations and often different meanings. For example, lead can be pronounced to rhyme with “reed” when it means to guide, or like “led” when it refers to the metal; same spelling, different sounds and meanings.

Polyphone isn’t the standard term for this relationship; it’s used in some contexts to describe multiple pronunciations of a single word, but the label that captures two words that look identical yet sound different is heteronym.

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