Clew and clue are two words that are pronounced in the same manner but are spelled differently and have different meanings. They are homophones. We will examine the definitions of the words clew and clue, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences. Clew may mean the lower corner of a ship’s sail, to raise or lower such a sail or the lines by which a hammock is hung. Clew also means a ball of …
Is it Christmas Eve or Christmas Eave? Although these two words sound the same, only one is used to describe the night before something important. But what does the other word mean, then? I’ll explain all the essential details right here and show you how to tell the difference. Eaves vs. Eves The nouns “eaves” and “eves” are both homophones of each other. If you don’t know what that means, it’s when two or more words sound exactly the same …
Aye and eye are two words that are pronounced in the same way but have different meanings and are spelled differently. They are homophones. We will look at the definitions of the words aye and eye, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences. Aye is an expression of assent. Today, it is most often used as an affirmative vote or as a response when given an order on a ship, though it is still …
Axis and axes are two words that are often confused, they are pronounced in the same way but are spelled differently and may have different meanings. They are homophones. We will look at the definitions of the words axis and axes, where these words come from and some examples of their use in sentences. An axis is an imaginary line that runs through the middle of something, a line that bisects something, an imaginary line around which a thing rotates. …
Knit and nit are two words that are pronounced in the same fashion but are spelled differently and have different meanings. They are homophones. We will examine the difference in meaning between the words knit and nit, where these words come from and some examples of their use in sentences. Knit means to interconnect loops of thread, usually wool or cotton, in order to construct something such as a garment. Knit is also used figuratively, to mean to connect or …
Riposte and repost are two words that are pronounced in the same manner but are spelled differently and have different meanings. They are homophones. We will examine the meanings of the words riposte and repost, where the words came from and some examples of their use in sentences. Riposte means to quickly make a clever reply to a comment, or to perform an action that may be considered a quick reply to another action. Originally, riposte described a fencing move, …
Eyelet and islet are two words that are pronounced in the same way but have different spellings as well as different meanings. These types of words are called homophones. We will look at the meanings of the words eyelet and islet, where these words come from and some examples of their use in sentences. An eyelet is a hole that is punched in leather, plastic or fabric so that string or rope may be laced through it. The metal ring …
Beer and bier are two words that are pronounced in the same way but are spelled differently and have different meanings. We will examine the meanings of the words beer and bier, where the terms come from and some examples of their use in sentences. Beer is an alcoholic beverage brewed from grain, usually malt, and flavored with hops. Beer is the third most popular beverage in the world, surpassed in popularity only by water and tea. Beer is the …
Based and baste are two words that are pronounced in the same way, but are spelled differently and have two different meanings. They are homophones. We will examine the definitions of based and baste, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences. Based is the past tense of the verb base, which means to use something as a foundation or a starting point. Related words are bases and basing. The word base comes from the …
Ads, adds and adze are all words that are pronounced in the same way but are spelled differently and have different meanings. They are homophones. We will look at the meanings of the words ads, adds and adze, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences. Ads is the plural form of ad, which is a shortened, informal form of the word advertisement. The word ad was first used in 1841. Adds is the third …