Links and lynx are two commonly confused words that are pronounced in the same way when spoken aloud but are spelled differently and have different meanings, which makes them homophones. Homophones exist because of our ever-changing English language, and are a challenge for those who wish to learn to speak English. The way the spelling and definitions differ can be confusing when attempting to learn vocabulary correctly. Proper pronunciation of spoken English may help the listener distinguish between homophones; the words affect-effect are a good example. However, pronunciation is usually more ambiguous, as English pronunciation may vary according to dialect, and English spelling is constantly evolving. Pronunciation may change even though the spelling doesn’t, producing two words that are pronounced in the same manner but have different meanings such as night and knight. English words are also spelled according to their etymologies rather than their sound. For instance, the word threw is derived from the Old English word thrawan, and the word through came from the Old English word thurh. Homophones are confusing words and are commonly misspelled words because of the confusion that arises from words that are pronounced alike but have very different usage and etymology. A spell checker will rarely find this type of mistake. Even a participant in a spelling bee will ask for an example of a homophone in a sentence, so that she understands which word she is to spell by using context clues. We will examine the definitions of the words links and lynx, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences.
Links is the plural form of the word link, which is a relationship between two people, things or ideas. A link may also be a loop in a chain, a mode of travel or a route between two places, or a method of communication between two people. Links is an abbreviation of the word hyperlinks, which are computer hypertext that when clicked take the user to an article or website on the internet. Links is a slang term for a golf course. When used as a verb, links describes the joining of two things or people physically, metaphorically, or emotionally. Links as a verb may also mean to establish a hyperlink or to establish a method of communication or a travel route. Related words are link, linked, linking. The word link is derived from the Old Norse word hlekkr.
A lynx is a species of wild cat that has brown, sometimes spotted fur, a short tail and unique, tufted ears. Four species of lynx are found throughout North America and Eurasia. Like many cat species, the lynx is primarily a solitary animal. The word lynx may be used to mean the fur of the lynx, used when describing something like a lynx coat. A constellation is also named for the lynx, though when referencing the star configuration that word is capitalized, as in Lynx. The word lynx is derived from the Greek word lyngx.
Examples
British universities with links to Huawei
have wrestled with concerns from staff that controversy surrounding the tech giant could negatively affect the image and research of their institutions, internal communications obtained by the South China Morning Post reveal. (The South China Morning Post)Dundonald Links, considered to be among the 100 finest golf courses in the world, has been acquired by Welsh company Darwin Escapes from previous owners Loch Lomond Golf Club. (The Irvine Times)
Rob Michaud of East Millinocket had that happen to him Thursday afternoon while driving through Stacyville, as three Canada lynx showed up on the side of the road. (The Bangor Daily News)
“Generally, lynx appear to have longer legs, much bigger feet, and longer ear tufts than bobcats,” Bump wrote in an email. (The Times Herald)