Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

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Which statement describes homographs?

  1. Words that are the same in sound

  2. Words with identical spelling but different meanings

  3. Words created by adding suffixes

  4. Words that are always pronounced the same

The correct answer is: Words with identical spelling but different meanings

Homographs are best defined as words that have identical spelling but different meanings. This definition captures the essence of homographs, which can often lead to confusion in both reading and writing because they require understanding the context to determine the correct meaning. For instance, the word "lead" can refer to the metal or the act of guiding someone. Although the spelling is the same, the context in which the word is used clarifies its intended meaning. While some homographs may share the same pronunciation, this is not a requirement; thus, options suggesting consistent pronunciation or merely similar sounds do not accurately reflect the definition of homographs. Additionally, creating words by adding suffixes pertains to morphology rather than the concept of homographs. Therefore, the definition focusing on identical spelling and differing meanings accurately encompasses what homographs are.