Which term describes the pair 'lead' (to guide) and 'lead' (the metal)?

Which term describes the pair 'lead' (to guide) and 'lead' (the metal)?

• A. Homograph
• B. Homophone
• C. Hyponym
• D. Meronym

Answer: (A)

Words that are written the same but have different pronunciations and meanings are homographs. lead as a verb meaning to guide is pronounced “leed,” while lead the metal is pronounced “led.” Because they share the same spelling but differ in sound and meaning, they fit the definition of a homograph. The other terms don’t apply here: a homophone sounds the same but isn’t necessarily spelled the same, and hyponym/meronym describe semantic relationships (type-of, part-of) rather than word form. If you want the even more precise name for this situation, they’re heteronyms, a type of homograph, but the best match among the options is homograph.

Words that are written the same but have different pronunciations and meanings are homographs. lead as a verb meaning to guide is pronounced “leed,” while lead the metal is pronounced “led.” Because they share the same spelling but differ in sound and meaning, they fit the definition of a homograph. The other terms don’t apply here: a homophone sounds the same but isn’t necessarily spelled the same, and hyponym/meronym describe semantic relationships (type-of, part-of) rather than word form. If you want the even more precise name for this situation, they’re heteronyms, a type of homograph, but the best match among the options is homograph.