Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

What is the definition of a homonym?

1. A word with multiple meanings

2. A word that sounds the same but is spelled differently

3. Two or more distinct words with the same pronunciation and spelling but different meanings

4. A word that describes an action

The correct answer is: Two or more distinct words with the same pronunciation and spelling but different meanings

The definition of a homonym is two or more distinct words that share the same pronunciation and spelling but have different meanings. This characteristic sets homonyms apart within the broader category of words, as they can create confusion or ambiguity in language due to their identical form yet diverse meanings. For instance, the word “bat” can refer to a flying mammal or a piece of sports equipment used in baseball. Understanding homonyms is important in reading instruction as it helps students grasp nuances in language and improves their comprehension skills. While words with multiple meanings or words that sound the same but are spelled differently contribute to understanding language, they do not capture the specific nature of homonyms as defined above. The option referring to a word that describes an action is unrelated to the concept of homonyms. Thus, the precise definition of homonyms hinges on their sameness in spelling and pronunciation, while simultaneously being distinct in meaning.