What defines a homophone?

A homophone is defined as words that sound the same but have different meanings. This means that even though the pronunciation of these words is identical, they can have distinct definitions and spellings. For example, "bare" and "bear" sound the same when spoken, but one refers to being without covering, while the other refers to a large mammal.

Understanding homophones is important for reading and writing, as it helps to clarify meaning in context. Recognizing that words can sound alike yet have diverse meanings is a key aspect of language that impacts comprehension and effective communication.