Homophones for Class 10

Homophones Definition

Homophones are words that are spelt differently and have different meanings but have the same pronunciation. One might infer the meaning of these terms by looking up their spellings or by analysing the sentence's context.

For instance, "hire" and "higher" have similar pronunciations, yet they have very different spellings and meanings.

"Hire" refers to employing someone, while 'higher' refers to something more advanced or enhanced.

Sentence: The company decided to hire a new manager with a higher level of expertise to help elevate the overall performance of the team.

Examples of Homophones

1. Waste - Waist

Waste: refers to unwanted or discarded materials
Waist: part of the human body between the chest and the hips, typically where a belt is worn.

Sentences:

→ Despite numerous initiatives to reduce household waste, the accumulation of plastic and electronic waste continues to pose a significant environmental challenge.
→ The fashion industry often idealizes an hourglass figure, emphasizing a narrow waist and curvaceous hips, perpetuating unrealistic body standards.

2. Complement - Compliment

Complement: refers to something that completes or goes well with something else.
Compliment: refers to a polite expression of praise or admiration.

Sentence:

The chef decided to complement the rich flavours of the main course with a well-chosen compliment to the pastry chef for the exquisite dessert.

3. Break - Brake

Break (verb): to separate into pieces or parts, often as a result of force; to fracture or shatter.
Brake (noun): a device used to slow down or stop the motion of a vehicle.

Sentences:

→ The glass shattered into a myriad of tiny fragments as the baseball broke through the window.
→ The driver slammed on the brake when he noticed the red traffic light ahead, bringing the car to a sudden halt.

4. Wait - Weight

Wait: To stay in one place or delay an action until a particular event or time occurs.
Weight: The force exerted on an object due to the acceleration of gravity; also, the measure of the heaviness of an object.

Sentences:

→ Shelly had to patiently wait for the results of the competition because her anxiety grew with each passing moment.
→ The weight of the massive cargo, combined with the ship's precarious balance, posed a significant challenge for the crew as they navigated through the stormy seas.

5. Foul - Fowl

Foul: an adjective that describes something as dirty, unpleasant, or offensive.
Fowl: a noun that refers to domesticated birds

Sentences:

→ The team's skill of winning was jeopardized by the player's foul tactics, leading to several penalties during the crucial match.
→ The farmers diligently tended to their diverse flock of fowl, ensuring optimal conditions for both egg production and the overall well-being of the birds.

6. Weather - Whether

Weather (noun): The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time.
Whether (conjunction): Expressing a condition or choice between two alternatives.

Sentences:

→ The weather forecast assures us that the storm will likely pass without causing significant damage.
→ The decision on whether to invest in renewable energy sources or traditional fossil fuels hinges on a thorough analysis of both economic and environmental factors.

7. Flew - Flu

Flew: the past tense of the verb "fly," which refers to the action of moving through the air, typically with wings or in an aircraft.
Flu: is a shortened form of influenza, a highly contagious viral infection affecting the respiratory system, characterised by symptoms like fever, cough, and muscle aches.

Sentences:

→ The skilled pilot successfully flew the plane through turbulent skies, showcasing remarkable expertise.
→ The sudden outbreak of flu in the community necessitated a coordinated effort from health officials to implement preventive measures and administer vaccinations promptly.

8. Heard - Herd

Heard: past tense of the verb "hear," which means to perceive or become aware of sound through the ears.
Herd: refers to a large group of animals, especially mammals, that are kept, fed, and moved together.

Sentences:

→ She heard the faint melody of a street musician playing a haunting tune.
→ The shepherd skillfully guided the herd of sheep through the rugged terrain, ensuring they grazed on the lush meadows without any mishaps.

9. Morning - Mourning

Morning (noun): the period between midnight and noon, especially from sunrise to noon.
Mourning (noun): the expression of deep sorrow, typically after someone's death.

Sentences:

→ The tranquil ambience of the morning, with its soft hues painted across the sky, often inspires a sense of serenity and reflection.
→ The entire community gathered in mourning, sharing anecdotes and consoling one another as they grappled with the sudden loss of a beloved leader.

10. Ball - Bawl

Ball: a spherical object used in various sports and games.
Bawl: to cry loudly and uncontrollably.

Sentences:

→ The soccer player skillfully manoeuvred the ball through the opposing team's defence, showcasing exceptional ball control.
→ Overwhelmed with emotion, the child began to bawl inconsolably, drawing the attention and concern of everyone in the room.

11. Board - Bored

Board: It can refer to a flat, usually rectangular, piece of wood or other hard material used for various purposes, such as making furniture or as a surface for writing.
Bored: an adjective that describes a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction due to lack of interest or stimulation.

Sentences:

→ The carpenter carefully selected a sturdy oak board to craft an exquisite dining table, while the board of directors convened to discuss strategic plans for the company's expansion.
→ Despite the professor's efforts to make the lecture engaging, the students couldn't help but feel bored, yearning for a more stimulating academic experience.

12. Check - Cheque

Check: to examine something to determine its accuracy or condition.
Cheque: a written order, typically on a printed form, directing a bank to pay money.

Sentences:

→ Before submitting the report, make sure to check it thoroughly for any errors.
→ The customer handed over a cheque to settle the payment for the purchased goods.

13. Pause - Paws

Pause (noun/verb): a temporary stop or break in an action or speech.
Paws (noun): the soft, padded underside of an animal's foot, especially a cat or dog.

Sentences:

→ The conductor signalled for a brief pause in the symphony, allowing the audience to absorb the haunting melody before the music resumed.
→ The playful kitten extended its tiny paws to bat at the shimmering light, showcasing the delicate beauty of its furry appendages.

14. Praise - Prays - Preys

Praise: a noun and a verb that refers to the expression of approval
Prays: prays is the third person singular form of the verb "pray," which means to address a deity or express a solemn request for help, guidance, or thanks.
Preys: preys is the third person singular form of the verb "prey," which means to hunt

Sentences:

→ The artist's work received widespread praise for its innovative approach and artistic brilliance.
→ In times of adversity, she fervently prays for strength and resilience to overcome the obstacles in her path.
→ The cunning predator silently preys on unsuspecting creatures in the dark, relying on stealth and precision in its hunting tactics.

15. Vein - Vain

Vein: a blood vessel that carries blood toward the heart.
Vain: an adjective that describes someone excessively proud or overly concerned about their appearance, achievements, or possessions, often to the point of arrogance.

Sentences:

→ The surgeon carefully dissected the delicate vein, ensuring precision in repairing the damaged blood vessel.
→ Despite his vain attempts to impress the committee with his elaborate presentation, the project's flaws became apparent during the Q&A session.

16. Abel - Able

Able (adjective): having the capability or skill to perform a specific action; competent or proficient.
Abel (proper Noun): a biblical figure, the second son of Adam and Eve, known for being a shepherd and the victim of fratricide committed by his brother Cain.

Sentences:

Sussain proved herself to be an able leader, adept at making strategic decisions that steered the company towards success.

The tragic tale of Abel, as recounted in the Bible, serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive consequences of envy and unchecked resentment within familial relationships.

17. Cause - Caws

Cause: a reason or motive that prompts an action or event.
Caws: the harsh, guttural sound made by crows or similar birds.

Sentences:

→ The relentless pursuit of knowledge is often cited as a cause for the significant advancements in science and technology witnessed in the 21st century.
→ As the Sun dipped below the horizon, the eerie symphony of caws resonated through the ancient forest, creating an atmosphere of mystery and enchantment.

18. Discreet - Discrete

Discreet (adjective): this term refers to the quality of being careful, cautious and showing good judgment in one's actions or speech.
Discrete (adjective): this term is used in the context of being separate, distinct or individually identifiable.

Sentence: Your discreet approach ensures that you collect discrete data points, such as financial figures for each department, without drawing attention to your investigation.

19. Choral - Coral

Choral: refers to anything related to a choir or vocal music performed by a group of singers.
Coral: a noun that denotes the hard, often pink or red, skeleton secreted by marine polyps for building reefs.

Sentences:

→ The choral performance, with its intricate harmonies and dynamic range, captivated the audience, leaving them in awe of the choir's musical prowess.
→ The vibrant coral formations, teeming with diverse marine life, create a mesmerizing underwater landscape that ecologists and divers alike find fascinating.

20. Doc - Dock

Doc: a colloquial abbreviation for "document"
Dock: refers to a platform or structure extending from the shore into the water where ships can load or unload goods.

Sentences:

→ The student carefully prepared his research doc, ensuring all relevant information was included.
→ The cargo ship slowly approached the dock, ready to unload its valuable shipment of goods.

21. Ducked - Duct

Ducked: to quickly lower or bend one's head or body to avoid something.
Duct: a tube or passageway for air, liquid, or other substances to flow through.

Sentences:

→ As the baseball whizzed past him, Jake ducked instinctively, narrowly avoiding a collision.
→ The air conditioning system relies on a network of ducts to distribute cool air evenly throughout the entire building.

22. Fate - Fete

Fate: refers to the predetermined course of events, often considered as an inevitable outcome or consequence that is beyond one's control.
Fete: a noun that signifies a celebration or festival, typically marked by entertainment, festivities and public events.

Sentences:

→ Her fate seemed to be sealed as unforeseen circumstances led to the project's failure.
→ The grand fete, commemorating the city's founding anniversary, featured an array of cultural performances, art exhibitions and a spectacular fireworks display.

23. Fisher - Fissure

Fisher (Noun): A person who engages in fishing as a profession or for leisure.
Fissure (Noun): A narrow opening or crack, especially in rock or the earth's surface.

Sentences:

→ The seasoned fisher skillfully cast his net into the turbulent waters, anticipating a bountiful catch of diverse marine species.
→ A deep fissure emerged in the once-stable ground, revealing the geological forces at play beneath the Earth's crust.

24. Gilder - Guilder

Gilder: a person or thing that gilds, which involves applying a thin layer of gold or a similar substance to something.
Guilder: the currency used in several countries, including the Netherlands, before the adoption of the euro.

Sentences:

→ The skilled artisan, known as a gilder, meticulously gilded the ornate frame, transforming it into a dazzling work of art that shimmered in the light.
→ Before the introduction of the euro, the Dutch economy thrived with the guilder as its currency, a testament to the country's rich history and economic stability.

25. I - Aye - Eye

I: refers to oneself, the pronoun representing the speaker.
Aye: an affirmative response, often used in agreement or approval.
Eye: organ of sight in humans and animals

Sentences:

→ I often contemplate the intricacies of the universe and marvel at the mysteries that surround us.
→ The team members nodded in aye, expressing their unwavering commitment to the ambitious project.
→ The artist meticulously captured the reflection of the sunrise in the eagle's eye, creating a stunning and lifelike masterpiece.

26. Illusive - Allusive - Elusive

Illusive: refers to something deceptive or misleading
Allusive: to indirect references or suggestions
Elusive: describes something difficult to capture, achieve or comprehend.

Sentences:

→ The promise of easy wealth through online schemes proved to be illusive, as many unsuspecting individuals fell prey to financial scams.
→ The author's writing style is highly allusive, weaving intricate connections between characters and events that require readers to decipher underlying meanings.
→ The elusive nature of dark matter continues to perplex scientists, challenging our understanding of the universe's fundamental components.

27. Lain - Lane

Lain: past participle of the verb "lie," which means to be in or assume a horizontal position, especially on a surface.
Lane: refers to a narrow road or a passage

Sentences:

→ After a long day of hiking, the tired hiker had lain on the soft grass, gazing up at the stars and contemplating the vastness of the universe.
→ The cyclist skillfully manoeuvred through the bustling city, weaving in and out of traffic in the bike lane, determined to reach the destination before sunset.

28. Knap - Nap

Knap (verb): to strike or tap lightly, often producing a sharp sound.
Nap (noun): a short period of sleep, especially during the day.

Sentences:

→ The percussionist demonstrated his expertise by using various techniques to knap the drumsticks against the drum's surface, producing a rhythmic and melodious beat.
→ After a tiring morning of meetings, she decided to take a brief nap to refresh her mind before the afternoon tasks.

29. Sane - Seine

Sane: having a sound mind; mentally healthy and rational.
Seine: a type of fishing net

Sentences:

→ She remained remarkably sane, calmly analysing the options and making well-thought-out decisions.
→ The skilled fishermen deftly manoeuvred the seine through the turbulent waters, strategically encircling a plethora of fish for their bountiful catch.

30. Taut - Taught

Taut: an adjective that describes something pulled or stretched tightly
Taught: past tense of the verb "teach." It refers to the action of providing instruction or knowledge to someone. 

Sentences:

→ The trapeze artist gracefully performed acrobatic stunts on the taut tightrope, showcasing remarkable balance and precision.
→ The professor, who had taught advanced physics for decades, shared his profound insights into the complexities of quantum mechanics during the lecture.

Homonyms Definition

Homonyms are words that have the same spelling and sound but different meanings. These words' meanings are usually inferred from the context in which they occur.

For instance, "bear" can have different meanings in different contexts. It would refer to the animal, to suffer or tolerate and 'to carry or contain.

Sentences:

→ Polar bears are usually found towards the north of the Arctic Circle
→ She cannot bear the harsh weather.
→ The banner bears the politician's name.

Examples of Homonyms

1. Point

Despite the intricate nature of the mathematical problem, Alice was able to pinpoint the exact point where the functions intersected, showcasing her advanced analytical skills to the entire class.

2. Ruler

→ As the ruler of the ancient kingdom examined the intricate map with his precision ruler, he marvelled at the accurate measurements of the territories under his dominion.
→ The architect used a ruler to draw straight lines on the blueprint, ensuring that every dimension adhered to the strict ruler of precision required for the construction project.

3. Scale

→ As the skilled climber began to ascend the towering mountain, he carefully assessed the steepness of the terrain, contemplating the challenging scale he was about to undertake.
→ The scientist, equipped with a precision scale, meticulously weighed each specimen, seeking to understand the minute variations in mass that could significantly impact the experiment's outcome.

4. Ship

→ As the ancient explorer embarked on his perilous journey, he marvelled at the majestic ship sailing across the vast ocean, a vessel that symbolised both adventure and uncertainty.
→ The company's decision to ship the high-tech equipment overseas raised concerns among investors, prompting a heated debate on the potential risks and rewards of expanding into new markets.

5. Wave

→ As the rhythmic wave crashed against the shore, a distant sailboat rode the gentle wave of the horizon, creating a picturesque scene.
→ We learned about the dual nature of light, where light can behave as both a particle and a wave, challenging our understanding of fundamental concepts.

6. Foot

→ The archaeologist carefully uncovered the ancient artefacts, noting the intricate carvings on the stone tablet, which depicted a mysterious creature with wings and a serpent's tail at its foot.
→ As the ballet dancer gracefully extended her leg, she pointed her toes and arched her foot, creating a mesmerizing line that captivated the audience.

7. Watch

→ As the vigilant lifeguard continued to watch the horizon for any signs of danger, she couldn't help but admire the picturesque sunset reflecting off the tranquil waves.
→ Determined to improve his time management skills, Mark decided to watch a tutorial on productivity, hoping to gain valuable insights into optimising his daily routine.

8. Can

→ Despite his busy schedule, Tom proved that he can complete both his academic assignments and extracurricular activities with exceptional dedication.
→ The aluminium can rattled as it rolled down the street, indicating that someone had discarded litter.

9. Nail

→ The carpenter deftly wielded his hammer, driving the steel nail into the wooden plank with precision, creating a sturdy foundation for the newly crafted bookshelf.
→ As the storm raged outside, the homeowner anxiously watched the roof repairman skillfully replace the damaged shingles and secure them in place with each carefully driven nail.

10. cool

→ Despite the scorching heat outside, the students found solace in the cool shade of the ancient oak tree, where they gathered to study and share stories.
→ The science experiment was a resounding success, leaving the class in awe of the coolreaction that occurred when the chemicals were combined in precise proportions.

11. Circular

→ The teacher explained the intricate concepts of geometry, illustrating how to calculate the area of a circular shape with precision.
→ In the economic analysis, the expert emphasised the interconnected nature of global trade, describing it as a complex and circular system where the actions of one country can affect others.

12. Current

→ Despite the challenging current economic conditions, the government is implementing policies to stimulate growth and stabilize the financial market.
→ The English teacher highlighted the current of emotions running through the characters, emphasising the author's skill in portraying human experiences.

13. Mine

→ As I explored the ancient cave, I stumbled upon a hidden chamber that turned out to be a rich source of valuable minerals; little did I know that what lay before me was not just any mine, but a historical mine that once fueled an entire civilisation.
→ His eyes gleamed with excitement as he uncovered a rare gem deep within the cavern, recognising that this discovery was not just any gemstone but a personal treasure, a find that would forever be considered "mine" in the truest sense of the word.

14. Pride

→ Despite facing numerous challenges, Taylor took immense pride in her academic achievements, demonstrating that hard work and perseverance can lead to success.
→ The historical novel depicted the protagonist's internal struggle, as he grappled with the conflicting emotions of pride in his heritage and the need to challenge societal norms for the greater good.

15. Tender

→ Despite his tough exterior, Jake displayed a tender side when caring for his injured puppy, gently nursing it back to health with love and patience.
→ The chef skillfully seasoned the cheese to achieve the perfect tender texture, creating a dish that melted in the mouths of the delighted diners.

16. Light

→ As the morning sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, it cast a dappled pattern of light and shadow on the forest floor, creating a mesmerizing play of nature's elements.
→ In literature, the author skillfully used the metaphorical light of knowledge to illuminate the dark recesses of ignorance, symbolising the power of education to dispel societal shadows.

17. Stalk

→ The sunflower's sturdy stalk proudly bore the weight of its golden petals, standing tall in the garden.
→ The elusive predator silently stalked its prey through the dense jungle, its every movement calculated and precise.

18. Sink

→ The sun began to sink beneath the horizon, casting a warm glow across the tranquil ocean, as the day slowly gave way to the serenity of the night.
→ The weight of the cargo proved too much for the small boat, causing it to sink into the churning waves, leaving the crew desperately clinging to pieces of wreckage.

19. Book

→ The ancient library housed a vast collection of books, some of which dated back to the medieval period, showcasing the rich literary history of the region.
→ Jane managed to book a window seat on the crowded flight, ensuring she could enjoy the breathtaking views during her journey.

20. Palm

→ She held the delicate butterfly in the palm of her hand, marvelling at its vibrant colours.
→ The beach was lined with towering palm trees, providing welcome shade on a hot summer day.

To learn about Adverbs for Class 10: Click here

Difference Between Homophones, Homonyms and Homographs

FAQs

1. How can homophones be employed effectively in creative writing?

Answer: Homophones can be used by creative authors to make puns, wordplay, and funny scenarios. To prevent confusion, it's crucial to utilise them accurately.

2. How can context help in using homophones correctly?

Answer: Context is crucial in determining the appropriate homophone. Making the right decision might be guided by comprehending the sentence or passage's overall meaning.