Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Practice Test

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Which of the following terms refers to words that are spelled the same but differ in pronunciation and meaning?

Heteronyms
Homonyms
Homographs
Capitonyms

The correct answer is: Heteronyms

The term that refers to words that are spelled the same but differ in pronunciation and meaning is heteronyms. These words, while sharing the same spelling, can have completely distinct pronunciations and meanings based on their usage in context. A classic example of heteronyms is the word "lead," which can refer to a type of metal pronounced with a short 'e' sound, or "lead" as in to guide, pronounced with a long 'e' sound. Understanding heteronyms is crucial in grasping the nuances of the English language, especially for effective communication and literacy. This knowledge helps in distinguishing between different meanings, which is particularly important in both written and spoken contexts where context plays a significant role.