Heteronyms are words that are spelt the same as other words but they sound different and have different meanings.
live (verb/adjective)
I used to live in São Paulo. (verb) – /lɪv/
The game is live on TV at 8pm. (adjective) – /laɪv/
tear (verb/noun)
If you open the book like that, you will tear the pages. (verb) – /tɪə/ (to damage paper accidentally or on purpose)
After watching the film, there was a tear in my eye. (noun) – /teə/ (when water comes from your eye when you cry)
lead
Politicians need to take the lead and show us how to be good citizens. – /liːd/
One of the key materials in constructing a roof is lead. – /led/
bow
It is customary in many Asian countries to bow. – /baʊ/
His daughter likes to wear a bow in her hair. – /təʊ/
row
The park is behind the row of house on the left. – /rəʊ/
All couples row! – /raʊ/
So how do we know which word is being used? By context 🙂
As well as heteronyms, there are:
homonyms
same sound but same or different spelling
Friday is fair day in town.
If you buy lunch today, I will buy you lunch next time; it is only fair.
My favourite fruit is pear.
The shop on the high street are selling jeans at £23 a pair.
homophones
same sound but different spelling
the band /bænd/ are British but known all over the world
Smoking in restaurants is now banned. Smokers now need to go outside to smoke.
homographs
same or different sound but same spelling
He always thinks that he is right (correct)
At the bottom of the road, turn right (direction)
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