Which term describes two words that have the same spelling but different meanings?

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Multiple Choice

Which term describes two words that have the same spelling but different meanings?

Two words that are spelled the same but have different meanings are called homographs. The key idea is the exact same spelling paired with distinct meanings (and often different pronunciations, as in lead for guiding versus lead the metal). This concept helps readers use context to figure out which sense is meant. In contrast, homophones are words that sound the same but may be spelled differently (like sea and see), and inductive phonics or latent refer to other ideas entirely.

Two words that are spelled the same but have different meanings are called homographs. The key idea is the exact same spelling paired with distinct meanings (and often different pronunciations, as in lead for guiding versus lead the metal). This concept helps readers use context to figure out which sense is meant. In contrast, homophones are words that sound the same but may be spelled differently (like sea and see), and inductive phonics or latent refer to other ideas entirely.

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