Same Spelling, Different Pronunciation
The bow of a ship is the front part. A bow is also when I put my arm in front of me and lean over it. People take bows after they perform. A ship's bow and an stage bow are pronounced the same. (b-ou)
A bow that I wear in my hair is pronounced differently than the two above it. A bow can be used as a weapon to shoot arrows. A bow can also be used to play an instrument such as violin. (b-O)
A bow that I wear in my hair is pronounced differently than the two above it. A bow can be used as a weapon to shoot arrows. A bow can also be used to play an instrument such as violin. (b-O)
A minute (min-it) is a measurement of time. There are 60 minutes in one hour. Minute (my - nUte) is something small and obscure. The grain of sand seems minute compared to pebbles.
You may say a person from Poland is of Polish descent. You polish surfaces to make them shine. Polish (pO-lish) and polish (paul -ish) are not pronounced the same.
Homophones
Different Spelling, Same Pronunciation
When I bawl, it means I cry hard. That bawl is a homonym and is spelled differently from all others.
The ball of my foot is just below where toes start to spread.
Attending a ball would be like going to a dance or gala.
A ball is a round object or toy sometimes associated with sports (as there are several types)
The term "Have a ball" means to "have fun"
