Which term describes words pronounced alike but have different spellings (hair/hare)?

Prepare for the Reading Specialist 221 Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to enhance your readiness. Ace your test!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes words pronounced alike but have different spellings (hair/hare)?

Words that sound the same but are spelled differently are called homophones. Hair and hare fit this because they have the same pronunciation, yet different spellings and meanings. This concept is useful in reading and writing because it helps you decode spoken language and choose the right word based on context. Latent means hidden or dormant, which isn’t about word sounds. Intrinsic Phonics isn’t the term used for this kind of sound-spelling relationship. A homograph, by contrast, are words that share the same spelling but may have different pronunciations and meanings, which isn’t the case with hair and hare.

Words that sound the same but are spelled differently are called homophones. Hair and hare fit this because they have the same pronunciation, yet different spellings and meanings. This concept is useful in reading and writing because it helps you decode spoken language and choose the right word based on context. Latent means hidden or dormant, which isn’t about word sounds. Intrinsic Phonics isn’t the term used for this kind of sound-spelling relationship. A homograph, by contrast, are words that share the same spelling but may have different pronunciations and meanings, which isn’t the case with hair and hare.

More practice questions