What is a homograph?

A homograph is defined as a word that is spelled the same as another word but has different meanings. This characteristic is crucial in understanding the nature of homographs, as they can often lead to confusion in reading and writing due to their identical spelling but differing definitions and sometimes pronunciations.

For example, the word "lead" can refer to being in charge (to lead) or a type of metal (lead), demonstrating how the same spelling can convey completely different meanings depending on the context. Recognizing homographs is especially important in literacy education, as it helps students develop skills in contextual understanding and vocabulary.

The other options address different concepts related to words. Some refer to words that sound the same (homophones) or words associated with sounds (onomatopoeia), but they do not define homographs correctly. Understanding these distinctions is essential for both language development and effective communication.