In this series of 11+ Verbal Reasoning quizzes, we look at homonyms and homographs. What are these exactly? Well, they are words with multiple meanings. They are spelt exactly the same, but mean two or more entirely different things.
Homonyms are words that have the same spelling and pronunciation, like ‘utter’ (which means to speak or make a sound) and ‘utter’ (which means complete or absolute).
Homographs are words that are spelled the same, but have different pronunciations as well as different meanings, like ‘lead’ (rhymes with ‘bed’ and is a type of metal) and ‘lead’ (rhymes with 'seed’ and means to guide someone or something).
Have a go at this first quiz and see how well you know your homonyms and homographs.
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To deny or reject something is to ‘refuse’ it (rhymes with ‘news’). Rubbish or waste is also called ‘refuse’ (rhymes with ‘loose’). The answer is ‘refuse’.
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The iris and lens are both parts of the eye, as is the ‘pupil’. An apprentice or student can also be called a ‘pupil’. The answer is ‘pupil’.
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If we close or cover something, we are said to ‘seal’ it. Walruses and sealions are related to ‘seals’. The answer is ‘seal’.
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To tolerate or allow something is to ‘bear’ it. To carry or support something is also to ‘bear’ it. The answer is ‘bear’.
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If something is delicate or feathery it is ‘light’. Places which are bright or sunlit are also ‘light’. The answer is ‘light’.
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If someone is cruel or nasty, you might call them ‘mean’. If you intend or plan to do something, then you ‘mean’ to do it. The answer is ‘mean’.
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A letter or a message can be a ‘note’. If we observe or see something, we might be said to ‘note’ it. The answer is ‘note’
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To hammer or smack something is to ‘pound’ it. Something which is throbbing or pulsating might be described as ‘pounding’. The answer is ‘pound’.
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A breeze or a gust are two forms of ‘wind’ (rhymes with ‘tinned’). To coil or twist something is to ‘wind’ it (rhymes with ‘find’). The answer is ‘wind’.
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If something is ‘flat’ it will be smooth and level. Apartments and maisonettes are two other names for ‘flats’. The answer is ‘flat’.
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