In episode 235, we spoke about Homophones, words with the same pronunciation but different spelling and meanings. This week we’re speaking about homonyms. (homo = the same, nym = name)
Homonyms are spelled the same and sound the same but they have different meanings.

Right – correct – That’s the right answer.
Right – the opposite of left – Turn right at the traffic lights and the pub is on your right.
Right – something you’re entitled to – The accused’s right to defend herself in court

Some examples of homonyms  
Address – to speak to / location
Arm – body part / division of a company
Band – a musical group / a ring / a grade
Bark – a tree’s out layer / the sound a dog makes
Bat – (an implement used) to hit a ball / a nocturnal flying mammal
Bright – very smart or intelligent / filled with light
Current – up to date / flow of water or electricity
Express – something done fast / to show your thoughts by using words
Kind – type / caring
Lie – to recline / to tell a falsehood / to be situated
Mean – average / not nice / stingy / signify / intend
Rock – a genre of music / a stone / to abruptly move from side to side
Spring – a season / coiled metal / to jump
Tender – gentle / offer of money
Well – in good health / a source for water/oil in the ground / OK
Bank – where money is kept / side of a river / deposit of data, fish, blood, sand, etc.
Fine – alright / financial punishment
Head – body part / to lead / person in charge/ to go in a specified direction
Sort – kind, type / to organise
Dog – animal / to persistently bother
Theatre – place for acting / place for surgery / place for war operations
Chair – furniture / to be the chairman or chairwoman
Spell – use individual letters / magic power / short period
Bear – animal / tolerate
Just – only / fair / recently

Examples of homonyms in the same sentence
I can’t bear to see that poor panda bear suffer.
Well, doctor, do you think I’ll be well soon?
The Municipal Band of Llíria are definitely in the top band of groups in Valencia province
When I had that spell of amnesia I couldn’t remember how to spell words I know well
A – I don’t understand what you’re saying.
B – What I mean is that we didn’t mean to be so mean to you – sorry!

…and now it’s your turn to practise your English.
Send us a voice message. https://www.speakpipe.com/inglespodcast
Send us an email with a comment or question to [email protected] or [email protected].

Thank you to all our wonderful Patrons who are supporting the podcast (names on the website)
Special thanks to Bruno our Gold Sponsor who offers walking tours of Copenhagen through his company https://www.copenhagenwalkingtour.com/
Castle Tours and Walking Tours of Copenhagen both in English or Spanish!
Also, Favela walking tour in Rio, led by local guides only. It’s safe and it helps the community to improve their daily needs. Go to Bruno’s websites to find out more information: http://www.favelawalkingtour.com.br/

Thank you to all our wonderful Patrons who are supporting the podcast:

Join our Patreon program for $1 per month and you get instant access to recent transcriptions that have been lovingly transcribed by Angélica Bello from Madrid. https://www.patreon.com/inglespodcast

Welcome to our new Patreon supports who have joined us this month:
Oliver Burgos
Luis Jimenez

On next week’s episode: Body Language

The music in this podcast is by Pitx. The track is called ‘See You Later’

Photo by 浮萍 闪电 on Unsplash

Our Wonderful Podcast Patreons are:

Adriana Rojas Suarez
Agus Paolucci
Alberto Valverde Conde
Alejandra Ventura
Alejandro Martínez
Alfonso
Ana
Ana Fernandez Monterrubio
Ana Giovanna
Ana Ibarra
Antonio diaz
Antonio Lafuente
Arminda
Beatriz Garlaschi
Carlos Cano Domingo
Carlos Garrido
Carlos Sanches
Chus Marti­nez
Copenhagen Walking Tour
Eloy
Elvira Cortes
Esperanza Colmenero
Eva Maria Elizalde Martínez
Fernando Ruiz
Francisco Javier Alejandre Sebastian
Gaby Rojas
Ignacio Espona
Igor Garmendia
Isabel Armada
Ivy Envy
Javier Correa Sambade
Jorge Torres
Jose Luis
Jose Luis Arregui
Jose Luis Hernandez
Jose Manuel Pelaez Invernon
Jose Manuel Romero Garcia
Jose Antonio Muñoz
Juan Carlos Pantin Fernandez
Juan Carlos Rodado
Juan Leyva Galera
Julia Frasquet Morant
Kieran
Lucas Antonio Soto Frias
Luis Jimenez
Luis Santiago Lopez Caraballo
Maite Palacin Perez
Mamen
Manuel Tarazona
Mar Carmona
Mara Nieto
Mariel Riedemann
Marina Ortiz Pena
Miguel
Miguel Salazar
Miren Ful
Nestor G M
Oliver Burgos
Patxi Ibanez
Pilar Martinez Andres
Reynaldo Esparza Garcia
Rogelio Menendez
Sara Jarabo
Txema Santa Cruz