Heteronyms are words that are spelled the same but have different pronunciations and meanings. These are often also referred to as homographs. Here are twenty illustrative examples:
My interest in heteronyms started on a long drive to Kansas with my family. Needing something to help pass the time we tried to come up with as many of these words as we could. At the time we didn't even know what these types of words were called but we came up with 14 examples and thought we had done pretty well. I knew there must be many more heteronyms that we simply hadn't thought of so I created this page with two purposes in mind:
I'll be the first to admit that this is a pretty useless list. I didn't expect that many other people would find it even vaguely interesting. But I've been pleasantly surprised at how many people have expressed support and suggested more words to add.
Related Reading: The November 1988 issue of Smithsonian magazine featured a brief article on heteronyms by Felicia Lamport. It's not available online but I've provided a transcription of it here.
All heteronyms are not created equal! Your definition of what is acceptable might not match mine. I've attempted to classify each heteronym using the following class definitions:
A – All of the following "detractions" are absent
B – Basic meanings of the words are related
C – Capitalization differences. One or more of the words is a proper noun (and can be found in a standard dictionary)
D – Different spellings exist (UK vs. US, hyphenation, etc.)
E – Equal pronunciation variations also exist (US vs. UK, regional, etc.)
F – Foreign letters (the word is part of the English language, but one or more of the letters has a diacritical over one or more letters)
S – Slang usage
| Word | Class | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| a | E | AH | first letter of the alphabet |
| UH or AH | that's ~ good example! | ||
| ablative | A | AB-la-tiv | a grammatical case |
| a-BLAIT-iv | tends to ablate (vaporize) | ||
| absent | B | AB-sent | missing |
| ab-SENT | to keep oneself away | ||
| abstract | B,E | AB-strakt | a summary |
| ab-STRAKT or AB-strakt | not like an object | ||
| abuse | B | a-BYOOZ | ~ a drug |
| a-BYOOS | drug ~ | ||
| accent | B,E | AK-sent | the ~ is on bright colors |
| ak-SENT or AK-sent | ~ the positive | ||
| acedia | A | assuh-DEE-uh | a type of fish |
| uh-SEED-ia | the deadly sin of sloth | ||
| acuminate | B | a-KYOO-mi-nut | pointed |
| a-KYOO-mi-nate | to make pointed | ||
| addict | B | a-DIKT | to cause to become dependent |
| AD-ikt | one who is dependent | ||
| address | B,E | AD-res or a-DRES | location |
| a-DRES | to write the location | ||
| adduct | A | AD-ukt | a chemical addition product |
| a-DUKT | to bring together similar parts | ||
| adept | B | AD-ept | a highly skilled person |
| a-DEPT | highly skilled | ||
| adulterate | B | a-DUL-tu-rate | to make impure |
| a-DUL-tu-rut | has engaged in adultery | ||
| advert | A | AD-vert | advertisement (British |
| ad-VERT | to refer to casually | ||
| advocate | B,E | AD-vu-kut or AD-vu-kate | a lawyer |
| AD-vu-kate | to argue in favor of | ||
| aerial | B,E | AR-ee-al or ER-ee-al | pertaining to aircraft |
| ER-ee-al or AR-ee-al | antenna | ||
| affect | B,E | a-FEKT | to influence |
| AF-ekt | the subjective aspect of an emotion | ||
| affiliate | B,E | a-FIL-ee-ate | to accept as an associate |
| a-FIL-ee-ut or a-FIL-ee-ate | >an associate | ||
| affix | B | a-FIKS | to attach to |
| AF-iks | an appendage | ||
| agape | A | a-GAYP | wide open |
| OG-e-pay | form of love | ||
| aged | B,E | AY-jed or AYJD | of an advanced age |
| AYJD | a man ~ 40 years | ||
| agglomerate | B | a-GLOM-u-rate | to gather into a ball |
| a-GLOM-u-rut | gathered into a ball | ||
| agglutinate | B | a-GLOOT-i-nate | to cause to clump together |
| a-GLOOT-i-nut | agglutinative | ||
| aggregate | B | AG-ri-gate | to gather into a whole |
| AG-ri-gut | the whole | ||
| agora | A | AG-or-uh | a gathering place |
| a-gor-AH | Israeli money | ||
| aliment | B | AL-i-ment | food |
| AL-i-MENT | to give food to | ||
| alloy | B,E | AL-oy or uh-LOY | combined metals |
| uh-LOY or AL-oy | to mix so as to form an alloy | ||
| ally | B,E | ah-LIE or AL-eye | to join with others |
| AL-eye or ah-LIE | one who is allied | ||
| alternate | B | ALL-tur-nate | to switch back and forth |
| ALL-tur-nut | ~ plan | ||
| alum | A | AL-um | aluminum sulfate |
| uh-LUM | short form of an alumnus | ||
| ana | E | AN-uh | an equal quantity of each |
| AY-nuh or AN-uh | a collection of anecdotes | ||
| analyses | B,D | a-NAL-a-seez | plural of noun analysis |
| AN-al-ize-ez | plural of verb analyse (UK spelling | ||
| animate | B | AN-i-mate | to give life to |
| AN-i-mut | living | ||
| annex | B,E | a-NEKS or AN-eks | to take for oneself |
| AN-eks | an addition to a building | ||
| antedate | B,E | ANT-i-date | an assigned date earlier than actual |
| ant-i-DATE or ANT-i-date | to assign an earlier date | ||
| appropriate | A | a-PRO-pree-ate | take possession of |
| a-PRO-pree-ut | suitable | ||
| approximate | B | a-PROKS-i-mate | to be nearly the same as |
| a-PROKS-i-mut | nearly correct | ||
| are | E | EHR or AHR | metric unit of area |
| AHR | where ~ you? | ||
| ares | C | EHRZ | plural metric unit of area |
| EHR-eez | Greek god of war | ||
| arithmetic | B | a-RITH-mu-tik | reading, writing, and ~ |
| ar-ith-MET-ik | ~ scale | ||
| arses | A | AR-suz | plural of arse |
| AR-seez | plural of arsis | ||
| articulate | B | ar-TIK-u-late | to speak clearly |
| ar-TIK-u-lut | one who speaks clearly | ||
| as | A | AZ | like |
| ASS | Roman coin | ||
| AYZ | plural of a | ||
| aspirate | B | AS-pi-rate | inhale |
| AS-pi-rut | material removed by aspiration | ||
| asses | E | ASS-uz | plural of ass |
| ASS-eez or ASS-uz | plural of as (the coin) | ||
| associate | B,E | as-O-she-ate | join with |
| as-O-she-ut or as-O-she-ate | whom one is joined with | ||
| ate | A | AIT | past of eat |
| OT-tee | reckless ambition | ||
| attaches | F | uh-TACH-ez | plural of attach |
| at-a-SHAYZ | plural of attach | ||
| attenuate | B | u-TEN-yu-wate | to make thin or slender |
| u-TEN-yu-wut | thin or slender | ||
| attribute | A | a-TRIB-ewt | regard as a cause |
| AT-ri-bewt | characteristic feature | ||
| augment | B | AWG-ment | lengthened vowel esp. in Greek or Sanskrit verbs |
| awg-MENT | to increase | ||
| august | C,E | AW-gust | month |
| aw-GUST or AW-gust | admirable | ||
| axes | A | AK-sez | plural of ax |
| AK-seez | plural of axis | ||
| ay | D | AY | yes (also "aye") |
| EYE | ~ me; expressing regret | ||
| bases | A | BAY-sez | plural of base |
| BAY-seez | plural of basis | ||
| bass | A | BASS | fish |
| BAYS | deep voice | ||
| bis | S | BIS | again |
| BUYZ | bisexuals (slang) | ||
| blessed | B,E | BLES-ed or BLEST | revered |
| BLEST | he ~ her | ||
| boule | A | BOO-lee | ancient Greek legislative council |
| BOOL | pear-shaped mass with a single crystal | ||
| bow | A | BAHW | ~ and stern |
| BOE | ~ and arrow | ||
| bowed | B | BAHWD | she ~ her head |
| BOAD | the branch was ~ | ||
| bower | A | BAHW-er | a dwelling |
| BOE-er | a tenant farmer | ||
| buffet | A | BUF-et | hit repeatedly |
| bu-FAY | type of furniture | ||
| bund | C | BUND | an irrigation embankment |
| BOUWND | federation (usually capitalized) | ||
| bustier | A | BUS-tee-ur | more busty |
| BOOS-tee-ay | feminine attire | ||
| capo | E | KAY-poe | guitar fret clamp |
| KAP-oe or KAY-poe | local Mafia boss | ||
| certificate | B | sur-TIF-i-kut | document providing authentication |
| sur-TIF-u-kate | testify | ||
| chaps | A | CHAPS | fellows |
| SHAPS | leather leggings | ||
| chassis | B | CHASS-ee | vehicle undercarriage |
| CHASS-eez | vehicle undercarriages | ||
| close | A | KLOS | nearby |
| KLOZ | ~ the door | ||
| coagulate | B,E | ko-AG-u-late | curdle |
| ko-AG-u-lut or ko-AG-u-late | that which has coagulated | ||
| coax | S | KOKES | persuade |
| KOE-ax | slang for coaxial cable | ||
| collect | A | ku-LEKT | gather |
| KAWL-ikt | a short prayer | ||
| colon | B,E,F | KOE-lun | ":" |
| kaw-LOAN or ku-LOAN | colonial farmer | ||
| ku-LOAN | Costa Rican monetary unit | ||
| combat | B,E | kum-BAT or KOM-bat | fight against |
| KOM-bat | armed battle | ||
| combine | B | KOM-byn | association of people |
| kum-BYN | to unite | ||
| commune | E | kuh-MYEWN | ~ with nature |
| KOM-yewn or kuh-MYEWN | small collective unit, typically rural | ||
| compact | B,E | kum-PAKT or KOM-pakt | ~ the trash |
| KOM-pakt | ~ car | ||
| complex | B,E | kom-PLEX or KOM-plex | intricate |
| KOM-plex | apartment ~ | ||
| compound | B,E | kum-POWND or KOM-pownd | ~ our problems |
| KOM-pownd | ~ fracture | ||
| compress | B | kum-PRES | make smaller |
| KOM-pres | bandage | ||
| concert | B | KON-sert | musical performance |
| kun-SERT | to plan by mutual agreement | ||
| conduct | B | kun-DUKT | to guide |
| KON-dukt | behavior | ||
| confect | B | kun-FEKT | to put together |
| KON-fekt | that which is confected | ||
| confines | B | kun-FYNZ | limits |
| KON-fynz | the area where something is limited to | ||
| conflict | B | KON-flikt | a battle |
| kun-FLIKT | their stories ~ | ||
| confound | B | KON-found | damn |
| kun-FOUND | to confuse | ||
| conglomerate | B | kun-GLOM-u-rut | composed of many items |
| kun-GLOM-e-rate | to gather into a whole | ||
| congregate | B,E | KON-gruh-gut or KON-gruh-gate | gathered together |
| KON-gruh-gate | to gather together | ||
| congress | B | KON-gress | a meeting |
| kon-GRESS | to assemble | ||
| conjugate | B,E | KON-ji-gut or KON-ju-gate | joined together |
| KON-ju-gate | to join together | ||
| conscript | B | KON-skript | one forced to enroll |
| kun-SKRIPT | to force someone to enroll | ||
| conserve | B | kun-SURV | to preserve with sugar |
| KON-surv | a candied fruit | ||
| consociate | B,E | kun-SOSH-ee-ut or kun-SOSH-ee-ate | united |
| kun-SOSH-ee-ate | to unite | ||
| console | A | kun-SOLE | provide solace |
| KON-sole | panel containing controls | ||
| consolidate | B,E | kun-SOL-uh-dut or kun-SOL-uh-date | made firm or solid |
| kun-SOL-uh-date | to join together | ||
| consort | B,E | KON-sort | lover |
| kun-SORT or KON-sort | to associate with | ||
| construct | B | kun-STRUKT | build |
| KON-strukt | something built | ||
| consummate | B | KON-soo-mut | extremely skilled |
| KON-soo-mate | ~ a marriage | ||
| contact | B,E | KON-takt | electrical connection |
| kun-TAKT or KON-takt | to communicate with | ||
| content | A | KON-tent | what is contained |
| kun-TENT | satisfied | ||
| contest | B | KON-test | competition |
| kun-TEST | to dispute | ||
| contract | B | KON-trakt | sign the ~ |
| kun-TRAKT | ~ a disease | ||
| contrary | B,E | KON-trer-y | something that is opposite |
| kun-TRER-y or KON-trer-y | unruly | ||
| contrast | B,E | KON-trast | a difference |
| kun-TRAST or KON-trast | to show differences | ||
| converse | A | KON-vurs | logic term |
| kun-VURS | to talk | ||
| convert | B | kun-VURT | to change |
| KON-vurt | one who has been changed | ||
| convict | B | kun-VIKT | to find guilty |
| KON-vikt | one who has been found guilty | ||
| coop | D | KOOP | chicken's home |
| KOE-op | short for cooperative (hyphenated) | ||
| coordinate | B,E | koe-OR-di-nate | to put in the same order or rank |
| koe-OR-di-nut or koe-OR-di-nate | one that is in the same order or rank | ||
| corps | B | KOR | a member of the press ~ |
| KORZ | compare the ~ of the two ballet companies | ||
| covey | A | KUHV-ee | a group, often of birds |
| KOEV-i | a young fellow | ||
| crooked | B | KROOK-ed | ~ as a dog's hind leg |
| KROOKD | ~ my neck to see | ||
| cube | A | KYEWB | a square block |
| KYEW-bay | a tropical shrub | ||
| cutin | D | KYOO-tin | The ~ makes the leaf feel waxy. |
| KUT-in | Flow the text around the ~. (hyphenated) | ||
| decameter | D | de-KAM-e-tur | poetic line with 10 feet |
| DEK-a-mee-tur | 10 meters (or "dekameter") | ||
| decrease | B,E | di-KREES or DEE-krees | to make it smaller |
| DEE-krees or di-KREES | the amount made smaller | ||
| defect | E | DEE-fekt or di-FEKT | flaw |
| di-FEKT | to desert a cause | ||
| defense | B,D,E | di-FENS | speak out in ~ of justice (or "defence") |
| DEE-fens or di-FENS | offense and ~ | ||
| defile | E | di-FILE | to sully or make dirty |
| DEE-file or di-FILE | a narrow passage or gorge | ||
| degenerate | B | dee-JEN-u-rate | to get worse |
| dee-JEN-u-rut | a pervert | ||
| delegate | B,E | DEL-i-gate | ~ your authority |
| DEL-i-gut or DEL-i-gate | a person acting for another | ||
| deliberate | B | dee-LIB-u-rut | intentional |
| dee-LIB-u-rate | to think carefully | ||
| denier | A | dee-NIE-ur | one who denies, e.g. a holocaust ~ |
| dun-YAA | a unit of fineness for cloth | ||
| derogate | B,E | DER-o-gate | disparage |
| DER-o-gut or DER-o-gate | inferior | ||
| desert | A | DEZ-urt | dry place |
| di-ZURT | abandon | ||
| desiccate | B | DES-i-kate | to dry |
| DES-i-kut | the product of desiccation | ||
| desolate | B | DES-u-lut | barren |
| DES-u-late | to make barren | ||
| deviate | B,E | DEE-vee-ait | to change direction |
| DEE-vee-ut or DEE-vee-ait | non-normal | ||
| diagnoses | B | DI-ag-no-sez | he ~ the problems |
| di-ag-NO-sees | he gives several ~ | ||
| diffuse | B | dif-YOOS | not concentrated |
| dif-YOOZ | to cause to spread thinly | ||
| digest | A | DIE-jest | reader's ~ |
| die-JEST | ~ your food | ||
| dingy | D | DIN-jee | grubby |
| DING-ee | small boat (also "dinghy") | ||
| discard | B,E | DIS-kard | that which has been removed |
| dis-KARD or DIS-kard | to get rid of | ||
| discharge | B,E | dis-CHARJ | to release |
| DIS-charj | that which is released | ||
| discord | B,E | DIS-kord | a lack of harmony |
| dis-KORD or DIS-kord | to clash | ||
| discount | B,E | DIS-kownt | the amount of the reduction |
| dis-KOWNT or DIS-kownt | to regard with doubt | ||
| divers | A | DIE-vurz | plural of diver |
| die-VURS | various | ||
| do | A | DUE | perform |
| DOE | 1st note of diatonic scale | ||
| does | A | DUZ | ~ this look good? |
| DOES | plural of doe | ||
| dogged | B | DOG-id | tenacious |
| DOGD | to track or trail persistently | ||
| dove | A | DOVE | dived |
| DUV | bird | ||
| drawer | A | DRAW-ur | one who draws |
| DRAWR | container for items | ||
| duplicate | B | DUP-li-kut | a copy |
| DUP-li-kate | to make a copy | ||
| egress | B,E | EE-gres | an exit |
| ee-GRES | to exit | ||
| ejaculate | B | ee-JAK-u-late | eject semen in orgasm |
| ee-JAK-u-lut | ejected semen | ||
| elaborate | B | i-LAB-u-rut | rich in detail |
| i-LAB-u-rate | give further detail on | ||
| ellipses | A | i-LIP-sus | plural of ellipse |
| i-LIP-seez | plural of ellipsis | ||
| entrance | A | EN-truns | door |
| in-TRANS | delight | ||
| envelop | B,D | EN-ve-lope | mail container (also "envelope") |
| in-VEL-up | to enclose | ||
| epicrisis | A | e-PIC-ri-sis | critical literary review |
| EP-i-cri-sis | secondary crisis | ||
| escort | B | ES-kort | my ~ took me to the dance |
| es-KORT | please ~ me to the dance | ||
| essay | B,E | ES-ay | piece of writing |
| e-SAY or ES-ay | to put to a test | ||
| estimate | B | ES-ti-mut | a rough calculation |
| ES-tu-mate | to make a rough calculation | ||
| evening | A | EEV-ning | beginning of night |
| EEV-un-ing | leveling out | ||
| ewe | C | YOO | female sheep |
| AY-way | African language | ||
| excise | A | EK-size | type of tax |
| ik-SIZE | to cut out | ||
| excuse | B | ex-KYEWZ | please ~ me for a minute |
| ex-KYEWS | I need to think of an ~ | ||
| exploit | E | EK-sploit | feat |
| ik-SPLOIT or EX-sploit | take advantage of | ||
| expose | F | ik-SPOZE | reveal |
| ek-spoh-ZAY | an exposure of something discreditable | ||
| extract | B | EK-strakt | derived from |
| il-STRAKT | remove | ||
| fen | A | FEN | marshy ground |
| FUN | Chinese money | ||
| ferment | B,E | FUR-ment or fur-MENT | yeast is a ~ |
| fur-MENT | ~ potatoes to make vodka | ||
| fiasco | E | fee-AS-koh or fee-OS-koh | complete failure |
| fee-OS-koh | straw covered bottle | ||
| file | F | FILE | make smoother |
| fi-LAY | a spice | ||
| fillet | A,D,E | fi-LAY | piece of meat (also "filet") |
| FILL-it | to round off a corner | ||
| fine | A | FINE | one ~ day |
| FEE-nay | musical term | ||
| forte | A | FOERT | strongest part of a blade |
| FOR-tay | loud | ||
| frequent | B,E | FREE-kwunt | often occurring |
| free-KWENT or FREE-kwunt | to visit repeatedly | ||
| gill | A | GIL | fish organ |
| JIL | unit of volume | ||
| gnome | E | NOAM | dwarf-like creature |
| NO-mee or NOAM | an adage or proverb | ||
| graduate | B | GRAJ-u-wate | successfully finish a degree |
| GRAJ-u-ut | one who has graduated | ||
| grave | B | GRAVE | where you bury someone |
| GRAWV-ay | slowly and solemnly (music direction) | ||
| hades | A | HAID-eez | hell (sometimes capitalized) |
| HAIDZ | angles made by rock faults or veins | ||
| halter | E | HAWL-tur | head gear for horses |
| HAL-tur or HAWL-tur | type of insect wings | ||
| have | B,E | HAV | I ~ some already |
| HAFF or HAV | do I ~ to? | ||
| he | A | HEE | pronoun |
| HAY | 5th letter of Hebrew alphabet | ||
| hinder | A | HIN-dur | hamper |
| HINE-dur | Devil take the ~ most | ||
| house | B | HOWSE | dwelling |
| HOWZ | give shelter to | ||
| implant | B | IM-plant | that which has been implanted |
| im-PLANT | to place or embed deeply | ||
| import | B,E | im-PORT or IM-port | bring into a country |
| IM-port | that which is brought in | ||
| impress | B | IM-pres | the mark produced by impressing |
| im-PRES | to mark with pressure | ||
| imprint | B,E | IM-print | the mark produced by pressure |
| im-PRINT or IM-print | to mark with pressure | ||
| incense | A | in-SENS | infuriate |
| IN-sens | perfume for burning | ||
| incline | B | in-KLINE | to lean towards |
| IN-kline | a slope | ||
| incorporate | B | in-KOR-po-rait | to form into a corporation |
| in-KOR-po-rut | incorporated | ||
| increase | B,E | in-KREES | ~ my salary! |
| IN-krees or in-KREES | I want a salary ~! | ||
| indent | B,E | in-DENT | to make a notch or depression |
| IN-dent or in-DENT | an indentation | ||
| initiate | B | in-ISH-ee-ate | to begin something |
| in-ISH-ee-ut | one who has been initiated | ||
| insert | B | in-SURT | to put into |
| IN-surt | something inserted | ||
| inset | B,E | IN-set | a small item placed within a larger one |
| in-SET or IN-set | to make something inset | ||
| instinct | A,E | IN-stinkt | a natural impulse |
| in-STINKT or IN-stinkt | filled with | ||
| insult | B | IN-sult | a disrespectful remark |
| in-SULT | to make a disrespectful remark | ||
| integral | B | in-TEG-rul | whole |
| INT-i-grul | expressible in terms of integers | ||
| intercept | B | in-tur-SEPT | to halt something |
| INT-ur-sept | that which has been intercepted | ||
| intermediate | B | in-tur-MEE-dee-ut | between |
| in-tur-MEE-dee-ate | intervene | ||
| intern | E | IN-turn | hospital ~ |
| in-TURN or IN-turn | ~ the captives | ||
| intimate | A | INT-u-mut | personal or private |
| INT-u-mate | to suggest | ||
| intrigue | B | IN-treeg | an illicit secret |
| in-TREEG | to make secret plans or arouse curiousity | ||
| invalid | A | IN-vu-lud | incapacitated |
| in-VAL-ud | wrong | ||
| invite | B | in-VITE | ask someone to attend |
| IN-vite | an invitation | ||
| involute | E | IN-vuloot | type of curve |
| invul-OOT or IN-vuloot | to clear up | ||
| isolate | B | I-so-lait | to set apart from others |
| I-so-lut | a product of isolating | ||
| jagged | B | JAGD | moved in jerks |
| JAG-ud | having a sharp, uneven edge | ||
| jargon | D | JAR-gun | specialized language |
| jar-GAHN | type of zircon (also "jargoon") | ||
| job | C | JOB | on the ~ |
| JOBE | the book of ~ | ||
| jubilate | B,C | JOO-bu-late | rejoice |
| yoo-bu-LAW-tay | joyous song | ||
| junker | C | JUNG-kur | old car |
| YOONG-kur | member of the Prussian aristocracy | ||
| lame | F | law-MAY | gold ~ jacket |
| LAIM | ~ duck | ||
| lamed | A | LAIMD | made disabled |
| LAWM-ed | 12th letter of the Hebrew alphabet | ||
| laminate | B,E | LAM-u-nate | to combine layers of material |
| LAM-u-nut or LAM-u-nate | composed of layers | ||
| lather | A | LATHE-ur | foam |
| LAYTH-ur | one who works a lathe | ||
| LATH-ur | one who uses laths | ||
| lead | A | LED | heavy metal |
| LEED | show the way | ||
| learned | B | LURND | past tense of learn |
| LUR-nud | knowledgeable | ||
| legate | A | LEG-ut | official emissary |
| li-GATE | bequeath | ||
| legged | B,E | LEG-ud | four ~ |
| LEGD | he ~ his way to the top | ||
| legitimate | B | li-JIT-u-mut | legal or authorized |
| li-JIT-u-mate | to make legitimate | ||
| lied | A | LIED | past tense of "lie" |
| LEET | German folk song | ||
| lineage | D | LIN-ee-ij | descendents of a founder |
| LINE-ij | the number of lines of print (also "linage") | ||
| live | B | LIVE | ~ audience |
| LIV | ~ in harmony | ||
| lower | A | LOWE-ur | to move down |
| LOUW-ur | frown | ||
| luger | A | LEW-gur | pistol |
| LEWZH-ur | one who rides a luge | ||
| lunged | A | LUNJD | abruptly moved |
| LUNGD | having lungs | ||
| lunger | A | LUNJ-ur | one that lunges |
| LUNG-ur | one that is tubercular | ||
| lupine | A | LOO-pine | wolfish |
| LOO-pin | kind of flower | ||
| manes | C | MAINZ | plural of mane |
| MON-ase | deified spirits of Roman dead | ||
| mare | A | MAIR | female horse |
| MAHR-ey | dark area on the moon | ||
| maria | C | muh-REE-uh | female name |
| MAHR-ee-uh | plural of lunar mare | ||
| mate | F | MAIT | friend |
| MAW-tay | South American beverage (mat) | ||
| micrometer | A | my-KROM-u-tur | measuring device |
| MY-krow-mee-tur | a millionth of a meter | ||
| minute | A | MIN-ut | 60 seconds |
| my-NEWT | wee | ||
| misconduct | B | mis-KON-dukt | your ~ is unacceptable |
| mis-kun-DUKT | don't ~ yourself while I'm gone | ||
| mobile | B,E | MOWE-beel | wind-blown sculpture |
| MOWE-bul or MOWE-beel | movable | ||
| moderate | B | MOD-u-rut | not extreme |
| MOD-u-rate | to make less extreme | ||
| mole | A | MOAL | underground denizen |
| MOE-lay | type of Mexican food | ||
| moped | A | MOWE-ped | motorized bike |
| MOWEPT | was gloomy | ||
| mother | A | MUTH-ur | good ol' Mom |
| MAWTH-ur | hunter of moths | ||
| mouse | B | MOWS | rodent |
| MOWZ | to hunt them | ||
| mouth | B | MOWTHE | to move one's mouth |
| MOWTH | what you speak with | ||
| mow | B | MAUW | hay ~ |
| MOWE | ~ the lawn | ||
| multiply | B | MUL-tu-ply | math operation |
| MUL-tu-plee | it was ~ defined | ||
| none | A | NUN | not any |
| NOAN | 5th canonical hour | ||
| number | A | NUM-bur | we're ~ one! |
| NUM-ur | more numb | ||
| nun | A | NUN | woman in religious order |
| NUON | 14th letter of Hebrew alphabet | ||
| object | A | ub-JEKT | disapprove |
| OB-jekt | a material thing | ||
| oblate | E | a-BLAIT | to make a religious offering |
| oh-BLAIT or a-BLAIT | flattened at the poles | ||
| obligate | B,E | OB-lu-gate | to bind legally or morally |
| OB-li-gut or OB-lu-gate | bound to a restricted lifestyle | ||
| offense | B,E | u-FENS or OFF-ens | don't take ~ |
| OFF-ens | the attacking team | ||
| os | A | OS | bone |
| OSE | mouth or orifice | ||
| overage | A | OH-vur-AIJ | too old |
| OHV-rij | excess | ||
| overhead | B | OH-vur-head | business expenses |
| oh-vur-HEAD | above the head | ||
| overlook | B | OH-vur-look | elevated spot with a view |
| oh-vur-LOOK | to ignore | ||
| overrun | B,E | OH-vur-run | the excess portion |
| oh-vur-RUN or OH-vur-run | to run too far | ||
| pace | A | PAYZS | ~ yourself |
| PAY-SEE | with all due respect to | ||
| palled | A | PALD | was buddies with |
| PAWLD | covered with a pall | ||
| palsy | A | PALL-zee | trembling disease |
| PAL-zee | friendly | ||
| pan | A | PAN | metal container |
| PON | a leaf of the betel vine | ||
| pasty | A | PAY-stee | paste-like |
| PASS-tee | a meat pie | ||
| pate | B,F | PAIT | head |
| POT | paste | ||
| paw-TAY | meat spread | ||
| patent | A | PA-tent | proprietary |
| PAY-tent | unobstructed | ||
| peaked | E | PEEKD or PEEK-ed | sharply pointed |
| PEEK-ed | unhealthy looking | ||
| pedal | B,E | PED-il | place to put your foot |
| PEED-il or PED-il | relating to the foot | ||
| peer | A | PEER | one's equal |
| PEE-ur | one who pees | ||
| perfect | B | PUR-fekt | the best possible |
| pur-FEKT | to make better | ||
| periodic | A | pir-ee-OD-ik | regularly recurring |
| pur-eye-od-ik | ~ acids, HIO4 for example | ||
| permit | B | pur-MIT | to allow |
| PUR-mit | a pass | ||
| pervert | B,E | PUR-vurt | sexual deviant |
| pur-VURT or PUR-vurt | to corrupt | ||
| pinion | D,F | PIN-yun | part of a bird's wing |
| PIN-yown | a pine nut (also "pi on") | ||
| pique | A | PEEK | to stimulate |
| PEE-kay | a type of tick | ||
| placer | A | PLAY-sur | one of the winners in a competition |
| PLAS-ur | mineral deposit | ||
| plies | F | PLYZ | plural of ply |
| plee-AZE | plural of pli | ||
| poise | A | POYZ | easy composure |
| PWOZ | unit of measurement for viscosity | ||
| polish | C | POE-lish | from Poland |
| POL-ish | rub | ||
| poll | A | POLE | a casting of votes |
| PAWL | ~ degree | ||
| postulate | B,E | POS-cha-lait | to claim as true |
| POS-cha-lat or POS-cha-lait | that which is claimed to be true | ||
| prayer | B | PRAY-ur | one who prays |
| PRER | say a ~ | ||
| precedent | B,E | PRESS-uh-dent | authoritative example |
| pree-SEE-dent or PRESS-uh-dent | what came before this | ||
| precipitate | B | pri-SIP-u-tate | to rain or snow |
| pri-SIP-ut-ut | a solid separated from a solution | ||
| predicate | B | PRED-i-kut | part of a sentence |
| PRED-i-kate | to assert or declare | ||
| premise | B,E | PREM-us | based on the ~ that all men are created equal |
| pri-MIZE or PREM-us | I ~ that all men... | ||
| present | B | pri-ZENT | give |
| PREZ-ent | gift | ||
| primer | E | PRIM-ur or PRY-mur | intro book for teaching |
| PRY-mur | used for priming | ||
| proceeds | A | pro-SEEDZ | continues |
| PRO-seedz | income | ||
| process | B | pru-SESS | move in a procession |
| PRAW-sess | the method | ||
| produce | B | pru-DOOS | create |
| PROD-oos | fruits and veggies | ||
| progress | B | PROG-rus | movement towards a goal |
| pru-GRES | to advance | ||
| project | A | PRAW-ject | undertaking |
| pru-JEKT | hurl | ||
| prospect | B,E | prus-PEKT or PROS-pekt | explore |
| PROS-pekt | a likely candidate | ||
| protest | B | PRO-test | display of disapproval |
| pru-TEST | to object to | ||
| pussy | A | POOS-ee | ~ cat |
| PUS-ee | full of pus | ||
| putting | A | PUTT-ing | golfing |
| POOT-ing | placing | ||
| ragged | A | RAGD | tormented |
| RAG-ud | tattered | ||
| raven | A | RAY-vun | black bird |
| RAV-un | to devour greedily | ||
| re | E | REE or RAY | with regard to |
| RAY | 2nd note of diatonic scale | ||
| read (also misread, proofread) | B | REED | I will ~ that book |
| RED | I already ~ that book | ||
| real | A | REEL | actual |
| ray-OL | former Spanish money | ||
| rebel | B | ri-BEL | to resist |
| REB-ul | one who rebels | ||
| rebound | B | REE-bound | a sharp ~ in stock prices |
| REE-BOUND | to recover from a setback | ||
| recall | B | REE-kawl | Chrysler issued a ~ of their mini-vans |
| ree-KAWL | I can't ~ just when | ||
| recap | B | REE-kap | a recapped tire |
| ree-KAP | to put new tread on a tire | ||
| recess | B,E | REE-ses or ri-SES | a nook |
| ri-SES | to put something into a recess | ||
| recitative | B | REH-sih-TAY-tiv | relating to recital |
| REH-sih-tuh-TEEV | an opera style that emphasizes dialogue | ||
| recoil | B,E | ri-KOIL | to flinch or wince |
| REE-koil or ri-KOIL | the kickback of a gun | ||
| recollect | A | rek-a-LEKT | remember |
| REE-kol-ekt | to collect again | ||
| record | B | REK-urd | ~ player |
| ri-KORD | ~ the music | ||
| recount | A | REE-cownt | to count again |
| ree-COWNT | to give a detailed account of | ||
| recover | A | REE-kuver | to cover again |
| ree-KUVER | retrieve | ||
| recreate (also recreation) | A | REK-ree-ate | relax |
| REE-kree-ATE | create again | ||
| redo | B,E | REE-DUE | do again |
| REE-due or REE-DUE | redecorate | ||
| redress | B,E | ri-DRES | compensate |
| REE-dress or ri-DRES | compensation | ||
| REE-DRES | dress again | ||
| refill | B,E | REE-fill | a replenishment |
| ree-FILL or REE-fill | fill again | ||
| refit | B,E | ree-FIT | to fit out or resupply |
| REE-fit or ree-FIT | the act of refitting | ||
| reflex | A | REE-fleks | an automatic action |
| REE-FLEKS | flex again | ||
| reform | A | ri-FORM | change for the better |
| REE-FORM | form again | ||
| refund | B,E | ri-FUND or REE-fund | to return money |
| REE-fund | the returned money | ||
| refuse | A | REE-fuze | fuse again |
| ri-FUZE | do not accept | ||
| REF-yoos | garbage | ||
| regenerate | B | ri-JEN-ur-ait | to generate or produce anew |
| re-JEN-ur-ut | formed or created again | ||
| regress | B | ri-GRES | to go back |
| REE-gres | the act of reasoning backwards | ||
| rehash | B | REE-hash | I don't want to sit through another ~ of the situation |
| ree-HASH | Let's ~ the problem together | ||
| reject | B | REE-jekt | one that has been rejected |
| ree-JEKT | to refuse to accept | ||
| relapse | B,E | ri-LAPS | he may ~ back to his former troubles |
| REE-laps or ri-LAPS | he had a ~ earlier this year | ||
| relay | A | REE-lay | electrical switch |
| ri-LAY | pass on | ||
| release | A | ree-LEES | let go |
| REE-LEES | lease again | ||
| remake | B | REE-make | have you seen the ~ of Beau Geste? |
| REE-MAKE | I have to ~ the bed | ||
| repair | A | ree-PAIR | fix |
| REE-PAIR | pair again | ||
| repatriate | B | ri-PAY-tree-ait | to return someone to their country |
| re-PAY-tree-ut | someone who has been returned | ||
| repent | A | ri-PENT | regret |
| REE-punt | creeping | ||
| replay | B,E | REE-play | a repetition |
| ree-PLAY or REE-play | play again | ||
| report | A | ree-PORT | give me a ~ on our progress |
| REE-PORT | we're going to have to ~ the software | ||
| represent | A | rep-ri-ZENT | stand for |
| REE-pri-ZENT | present again | ||
| repress | A | ri-PRES | repress a bad memory |
| REE-PRES | re-press a record | ||
| reprint | B | REE-print | can I get a ~ of that? |
| REE-PRINT | we'll have to ~ the whole thing again | ||
| reprise | B | ri-PRIZE | a resumption of action |
| ri-PREEZ | a musical repetition | ||
| reproof | A | ri-PROOF | I've never heard a word of ~ regarding her |
| REE-PROOF | please ~ the article | ||
| rerun | B,E | REE-run or REE-RUN | a second showing |
| REE-RUN | run again | ||
| research | A | ri-SURCH | investigate |
| REE-SURCH | search again | ||
| reseda | A | ri-SED-u | type of flower |
| RAY-zu-da | grayish green color | ||
| resent | A | ree-ZENT | be indignant |
| REE-SENT | sent again | ||
| reserve | A | ri-ZURV | hold back |
| REE-SURV | serve again | ||
| reside | A | ree-ZIDE | I ~ in California |
| REE-SIDE | I want to ~ my garage | ||
| resign | A | ri-ZINE | quit |
| REE-SIGN | sign again | ||
| resolve | A | ri-ZOLV | settle dispute |
| REE-SOLV | solve again | ||
| resort | A | ri-ZORT | vacation spot |
| REE-SORT | sort again | ||
| resound | A | ree-ZOUND | the walls ~ with joyous laughter |
| REE-SOUND | ~ him out on that proposal | ||
| resting | A | ree-STING | that bee might ~ me! |
| REST-ing | not moving | ||
| restore | A | ri-STOR | ~ your confidence |
| REE-STOR | please ~ the tapes in the vault | ||
| resume | F | ri-ZOOM | continue |
| REZ-oo-may | work summary | ||
| retable | A | REE-tabe-ul | placed on the agenda again |
| ri-TABE-ul | shelf behind an alter | ||
| retake | B | ree-TAKE | we'll ~ the city |
| REE-take | we'll need to do a ~ tomorrow | ||
| retard | A | REE-tard | who's the ~ that left the door open? |
| ri-TARD | ~ the timing on your car | ||
| return | A | ri-TURN | I will ~ the sweater |
| REE-TURN | redo a project on a lathe | ||
| review | B | ri-VEW | look over |
| REE-VEW | view something again | ||
| rewind | B | ree-WINED | don't forget to ~ your tapes |
| REE-wined | hit the ~ button | ||
| river | A | RI-vur | flowing water |
| RIE-vur | one who splits wood | ||
| rose | F | ROZE | type of flower |
| roze-AY | type of wine | ||
| rout | A | ROUT | disastrous defeat |
| ROTE | a cattle bellow | ||
| router | A | ROUT-ur | woodworking tool |
| ROTE-ur | that cow sure is a ~ | ||
| ROOT-ur or ROUT-ur | a horse trained for distance races | ||
| row | A | RAU | a fight |
| ROE | ~,~,~ your boat | ||
| rugged | A | RUG-id | sturdy |
| RUGD | pulled or torn | ||
| sake | D | SAKE | for your own ~ |
| SOK-ee | Japanese drink (also "saki") | ||
| salve | A | SAV | ointment |
| SALV | salvage | ||
| second | A | SE-kend | after first and before third |
| se-KUND | to transfer an officer to another post | ||
| secret (also secreted, secretive) | E | SEE-krut or si-KREET | to conceal in a hiding place |
| si-KREET | to form and give off | ||
| seer | E | SEE-ur or SIR | one that sees |
| SIR | unit of weight | ||
| segment | B | SEG-munt | a portion |
| seg-MENT | to separate into segments | ||
| separate | B | SEP-u-rate | ~ those two |
| SEP-u-rut | put them in ~ places | ||
| severer | A | suh-VEER-ur | more severe |
| SEV-ur-ur | one who severs | ||
| sewer | A | SUE-ur | storm ~ |
| SOE-ur | one who sews | ||
| sheave | E | SHEEV | to pull the oars in reverse |
| SHIV or SHEEV | a grooved wheel | ||
| shin | E | SHIN | part of leg |
| SHEEN or SHIN | 22nd letter in Hebrew alphabet | ||
| shower | A | SHAU-ur | bathe |
| SHOW-ur | one who shows | ||
| sin | A | SIN | moral offense |
| SEEN | Akkadian god of the moon | ||
| singer | A | SING-ur | one who sings |
| SINJ-ur | one who singes | ||
| skied | D | SKEED | past tense of ski |
| SKYD | hung a painting up high | ||
| slaver | E | SLAY-vur | one who sells slaves |
| SLAV-ur or SLAY-vur | drool | ||
| sliver | E | SLIV-ur | a small piece of wood |
| SLY-vur or SLIV-ur | A continuous strand of loose wool | ||
| slough | A | SLUE | marshy place |
| SLUF | shed skin | ||
| sol | A | SOLE | do re mi fa ~ |
| SAWL | old French coin | ||
| soles | A | SOULZ | plural of sole |
| SOH-lase | plural of sol (French coin) | ||
| sow | A | SAU | female pig |
| SOH | plant seeds | ||
| stabile | B,E | STAY-beel | abstract sculpture |
| STAY-bil or STAY-beel | steady | ||
| stingy | A | STINJ-ee | reluctant to spend |
| STING-ee | able to sting | ||
| stipulate | A | STIP-yu-late | request explicitly |
| STIP-yu-lut | having stipules | ||
| subject | B | SUB-jikt | one who is ruled by another |
| sub-JEKT | to subjugate | ||
| suite | B,E | SWEET | a set or collection of things |
| SUTE | a set of matched furniture | ||
| supply | A | su-PLY | provide |
| SUP-lee | in a supple way | ||
| survey | B,E | SUR-vay or sur-VAY | inspect |
| sur-VAY or SUR-vay | a report of what has been surveyed | ||
| suspect | B | sus-PEKT | he doesn't ~ a thing |
| SUS-pekt | he's our main ~ | ||
| swinger | A | SWING-ur | one who swings |
| SWIN-jur | whopper | ||
| syndicate | B | SIN-di-kut | a business group |
| SIN-du-kate | to sell to a syndicate | ||
| tang | C | TANG | sharp flavor |
| TONG | Chinese dynasty | ||
| tarry | A | TAIR-ee | linger |
| TAR-ee | covered with tar | ||
| taxes | A | TAK-suz | plural of tax |
| TAK-seez | plural of taxis | ||
| taxis | A | TAK-seez | plural of taxi |
| TAK-sus | manual reduction of a hernia | ||
| tear | A | TAIR | rip |
| TEER | produced when crying | ||
| tester | E | TES-tur | one who tests |
| TEES-tur or TES-tur | canopy over a bed | ||
| thou | A | THEOW | you |
| THOW | a thousand | ||
| thymic | A | TY-mik | of or pertaining to thyme, for example a type of acid |
| THY-mik | of or pertaining to the thymus | ||
| tier | A | TEER | row or rank |
| TIE-ur | one who ties | ||
| toots | S | TOOTS | blows a horn |
| TUHTS | short for Tootsie (slang) | ||
| torment | B,E | TOR-ment | agony |
| tor-MENT or TOR-ment | mosquitoes ~ me | ||
| torques | A | TORKS | vectors that measure the rotational forces |
| TOR-kweez | a ringlike band or formation about the neck | ||
| tower | A | TAO-ur | tall building |
| TOE-ur | one who tows | ||
| transect | B | trans-EKT | to cut across |
| TRANS-ekt | a sample strip of vegetation | ||
| transfer | B,E | trans-FUR or TRANS-fur | to move |
| TRANS-fur | a transference | ||
| transplant | B | trans-PLANT | to move to another place |
| TRANS-plant | the act of transplanting | ||
| transport | B | trans-PORT | to carry |
| TRANS-port | the act of transporting | ||
| transpose | B | trans-POZE | to transform |
| TRANS-poze | matrix formed by swapping rows and columns | ||
| trepan | B,E | tri-PAN | to remove a core |
| TREE-pan | heavy tool used in mining | ||
| triton | A | TRY-ten | type of mollusk |
| TRY-ton | the nucleus of tritium | ||
| tropic | A | TRAW-pick | ~ of Capricorn |
| TROW-pick | influencing the activity of | ||
| tush | A | TUSH | a tooth |
| TOUWSH | your fanny | ||
| unionized | A | YEWN-yun-ized | ~ labor |
| un-EYE-on-ized | ~ hydrogen | ||
| upset | B | UP-set | stomach ~ |
| up-SET | angry | ||
| use | B | YOOS | what's the ~ |
| YOOZ | ~ the force | ||
| used | B | YOOST | I ~ to live in New York |
| YOOSED | I ~ two towels | ||
| vice | A | VISE | an immoral habit |
| VIE-see | a turn in sequence | ||
| viola | A | vie-OH-la | flower |
| vee-OH-la | musical instrument | ||
| violist | A | VIUL-ist | viol player |
| vee-OH-lust | viola player | ||
| whiffler | E | WIF-lur | one that clears the way for a procession |
| WIF-e-lur or WIF-lur | one that changes his opinion | ||
| wicked | A | WIK-id | ~ witch of the west |
| WIKD | has one or more wicks | ||
| wind | A | WIND | moving air |
| WINED | turn | ||
| winded | B,E | WIN-ded | out of breath |
| WINE-ded or WIN-ded | blew a horn | ||
| withy | B,E | WITHE-ee | a flexible slender twig |
| WITH-ee or WITHE-ee | flexibly tough | ||
| won | A | WAHN | Korean currency |
| WUN | past tense of win | ||
| wound | A | WOOND | injury |
| WOWND | past tense of wind | ||
| yak | E | YAK | long-haired ox |
| YAUK or YAK | laugh (slang) | ||
| ye | E | YEE | oh ~ of little faith |
| YUH or THE or YEE | ~ Old Gifte Shoppe |