Homograph Meaning Context Quiz

1. Which sentences use the word "tear' (pronounced /teər/) to mean 'to rip or pull apart'? (Select all that apply)

The child began to shed a tear.

She had a tear in her shirt sleeve.

Do not tear the page out of the book.

I noticed a tear in the fabric.

In Option C, 'tear' is the verb meaning to rip (pronounced /teər/). In the others, it is the noun for a drop of liquid (pronounced /tɪər/).

Explanation

In Option C, 'tear' is the verb meaning to rip (pronounced /teər/). In the others, it is the noun for a drop of liquid (pronounced /tɪər/).

2. Read the sentence: 'The soldier made a final salute to the flag.' The word 'salute' in this context means a sign of respect, not a _______ drink.

Salute' can mean a formal gesture of respect (as in the sentence) or a toast/drink.

Explanation

Salute' can mean a formal gesture of respect (as in the sentence) or a toast/drink.

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3. Read the sentence: 'The heavy rain will affect the river level.' What does the word 'affect' mean?

To have an influence on

A display of emotion

To pretend or imitate

To become noticeable

In this context, 'affect' is the verb meaning to influence or change something. (Its homograph 'affect' /'æfɛkt/ means a display of emotion).

Explanation

In this context, 'affect' is the verb meaning to influence or change something. (Its homograph 'affect' /'æfɛkt/ means a display of emotion).

4. The word 'minute' in 'I will be there in a minute' refers to a tiny or very small object.

True

False

This is false. In this context, 'minute' (pronounced /'mɪnɪt/) is the noun for a unit of time (60 seconds). The other meaning is the adjective for tiny (pronounced /maɪ'njuːt/).

Explanation

This is false. In this context, 'minute' (pronounced /'mɪnɪt/) is the noun for a unit of time (60 seconds). The other meaning is the adjective for tiny (pronounced /maɪ'njuːt/).

5. Read the sentence: 'The old box had been left to rot in the damp basement.' What does the word 'rot' mean?

To decay or decompose

A disease or infection

A period of time

To organize a list

In this context, 'rot' is the verb meaning to decay or decompose.

Explanation

In this context, 'rot' is the verb meaning to decay or decompose.

6. Which sentences use the word 'refuse' (pronounced /rɪ'fjuːz/) to mean 'to decline or say no'? (Select all that apply)

I will refuse to answer that question.

The factory produced a large pile of refuse.

The offer was one he could not refuse.

She offered him a gift, but he did refuse.

In A, C, and D, 'refuse' is the verb meaning to decline (pronounced /rɪ'fjuːz/). In B, 'refuse' is the noun meaning waste/trash (pronounced /'rɛfjuːs/).

Explanation

In A, C, and D, 'refuse' is the verb meaning to decline (pronounced /rɪ'fjuːz/). In B, 'refuse' is the noun meaning waste/trash (pronounced /'rɛfjuːs/).

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7. Read the sentence: 'She gave the waiter a simple compliment on the food.' The word 'compliment' means praise, not something that _______ or completes another thing.

Compliment' means praise (as in the sentence). Its homophone 'complement' means something that matches or completes another thing.

Explanation

Compliment' means praise (as in the sentence). Its homophone 'complement' means something that matches or completes another thing.

Submit

8. Read the sentence: 'The traffic light turned red and the cars stopped.' What does the word 'red' mean?

A past action of reading

A primary color

An action of resting

A type of fishing lure

In this context, 'red' is the adjective referring to a color. (Its homophone 'read' /rɛd/ is the past tense of 'to read').

Explanation

In this context, 'red' is the adjective referring to a color. (Its homophone 'read' /rɛd/ is the past tense of 'to read').

9. The word 'object' in 'I object to that line of questioning' means a physical thing that can be touched.

True

False

This is false. In this context, 'object' (pronounced /əb'dʒɛkt/) is the verb meaning to express disapproval. The noun meaning 'a physical thing' is pronounced /'ɒbdʒɛkt/.

Explanation

This is false. In this context, 'object' (pronounced /əb'dʒɛkt/) is the verb meaning to express disapproval. The noun meaning 'a physical thing' is pronounced /'ɒbdʒɛkt/.

10. Read the sentence: 'The runner finished the race in a record time.' What does the word 'race' mean?

An ethnic group of people

A type of contest of speed

To move quickly

A group of related things

In this context, 'race' is the noun referring to a competition of speed. The other meaning is a group of people sharing common traits.

Explanation

In this context, 'race' is the noun referring to a competition of speed. The other meaning is a group of people sharing common traits.

11. Which sentences use the word "sewer' (pronounced /'suːər/) to mean 'a person who stitches clothes'? (Select all that apply)

The local sewer fixed the torn dress.

A sewer line burst beneath the street.

The seamstress was an excellent sewer.

Water flows through the city sewer system.

In A and C, 'sewer' is the noun for a person who stitches (pronounced /'suːər/). In B and D, it is the noun for an underground drainage channel (pronounced /'suː.ɪr/).

Explanation

In A and C, 'sewer' is the noun for a person who stitches (pronounced /'suːər/). In B and D, it is the noun for an underground drainage channel (pronounced /'suː.ɪr/).

Submit

12. Read the sentence: 'The bank required a large deposit to secure the loan.' The word 'secure' means to obtain or guarantee, not to feel free from _______ or anxiety.

Secure' can mean to obtain/guarantee (verb, as in the sentence) or to feel safe/worry-free (adjective).

Explanation

Secure' can mean to obtain/guarantee (verb, as in the sentence) or to feel safe/worry-free (adjective).

Submit

13. Read the sentence: 'She put a ring on her finger to show she was married.' What does the word 'ring' mean?

To sound a bell

A piece of jewelry

To encircle something

A specific area

In this context, 'ring' is the noun referring to a circular piece of jewelry.

Explanation

In this context, 'ring' is the noun referring to a circular piece of jewelry.

14. The word 'patient' in 'She waited a very long time, showing great patient' is correctly used as the adjective meaning 'a person receiving medical care.'

True

False

This is false. In this context, 'patient' should be the noun 'patience,' meaning the quality of enduring delay. 'Patient' (noun or adjective) is pronounced the same but refers to medical care or the quality of being able to wait.

Explanation

This is false. In this context, 'patient' should be the noun 'patience,' meaning the quality of enduring delay. 'Patient' (noun or adjective) is pronounced the same but refers to medical care or the quality of being able to wait.

15. Read the sentence: 'The pitcher threw a fastball that was incredibly close.' What does the word 'close' (pronounced /kləʊs/) mean?

To shut something

Near or adjacent

To finish an event

A relative or friend

In this context, 'close' (pronounced /kləʊs/) is the adjective meaning near or adjacent. The verb meaning 'to shut' is pronounced /kləʊz/.

Explanation

In this context, 'close' (pronounced /kləʊs/) is the adjective meaning near or adjacent. The verb meaning 'to shut' is pronounced /kləʊz/.

16. Which sentences use the word "read' (pronounced /riːd/) to mean 'to look at and comprehend written words'? (Select all that apply)

He read the book last week.

Please read the instructions carefully.

The entire class read the novel together.

I read the instructions yesterday.

In B and C, 'read' is the present tense verb meaning to look at and comprehend (pronounced /riːd/). In A and D, it is the past tense form (pronounced /rɛd/).

Explanation

In B and C, 'read' is the present tense verb meaning to look at and comprehend (pronounced /riːd/). In A and D, it is the past tense form (pronounced /rɛd/).

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17. Read the sentence: 'He will lead the group on the hike.' What does the word 'lead' (pronounced /liːd/) mean?

A heavy metallic element

To guide or be in charge

A type of pencil material

A track or clue

In this context, 'lead' is a verb meaning to guide or direct the group.

Explanation

In this context, 'lead' is a verb meaning to guide or direct the group.

18. Read the sentence: 'The rope was held taut around the large bow.' In this sentence, the homograph 'bow' refers to a knot or loop, not a respectful _______.

The homograph 'bow' can mean a knot/loop (as in the sentence) or the act of bending the head/waist (respectful bending).

Explanation

The homograph 'bow' can mean a knot/loop (as in the sentence) or the act of bending the head/waist (respectful bending).

Submit

19. In the sentence 'I saw a large, brown bear in the woods,' the word 'bear' means 'to carry.'

True

False

This is false. In this context, 'bear' is the noun referring to a large animal. The other meaning is the verb 'to carry' or 'to endure.'

Explanation

This is false. In this context, 'bear' is the noun referring to a large animal. The other meaning is the verb 'to carry' or 'to endure.'

20. Read the sentence: 'He tried to wind the clock before bed.' What does the word 'wind' (pronounced /waɪnd/) mean?

Moving air or breeze

To twist or coil something

To breathe heavily

To end a process

In this context, 'wind' is a verb meaning to twist or coil (usually a spring or a string). The other common meaning is the noun for air movement (/wɪnd/).

Explanation

In this context, 'wind' is a verb meaning to twist or coil (usually a spring or a string). The other common meaning is the noun for air movement (/wɪnd/).

Contextual Clues: Homograph Meaning Context Quiz