I researched some specific distinctions, of which I was curious. I expected to obtain a quick and succinct answer to my inquires about all of the types of Homos and Heteros but ran into a lot of conflicting information. Piecing together various sources and definitions, the below is a chart that I figure correct:
___________Sound__Meaning__Spelling______
Homograph ---- s/d ------- d ---------- s ----------
Heterograph --- s/d ------- d ---------- d ----------
Homophone ----- s -------- d --------- s/d ---------
Heterophone ---- d -------- d --------- s/d ---------
Homonym ------ s --------- d ---------- s ----------
Heteronym ----- d --------- d ---------- s ----------
*** s = same, d = different, s/d = same or different ***
The most commonly conflicted notion is that some of the above words are synonymous, which is completely false. By using simple etymology, I avoided making the same mistakes and possibly shed some light on the distinction of the subject. In actuality, "homonym" and "heteronym" are subsets of a combination of the "graphs" and "phones."
- Heteronym (aka Heterophonic Homograph) - different sound, same spelling; desert (to abandon) : desert (arid region)
- Homonym (aka Homophonic Homograph) - same sound, same spelling; tire (to become weary) : tire (what fits to a wheel)
The other two combinations of the "graphs" and "phones" do not have specific words for their subset distinctions.
- Homophonic Heterograph - same sound, different spelling; too (also) : two (2)
- Heterophonic Heterograph - different sound, different spelling; Purdue (awesome) : Notre Dame (suck ass)
From what I found, "graphs" (writing/spelling) and "phones" (pronunciation/sound) were pretty straight forward. Whether it be "homo" (same) or "hetero" (different), the distinction laid within only one of the above categories of the chart.
When it came to "nyms" (name), exact etymology translations became fairly ambiguous, hence the conflicting information. Another item of note, which is very obvious is that "meaning" is always different. I believe this category was used to make sure there was distinction from synonyms, antonyms, etc.
It's obvious why there is no distinct word for "heterophonic heterographs." However, I seek to find (or create) a word for "homophonic heterographs." If you know what this word is or have a good idea for one, please let me know.
By the way Pablo, wrong usage (Re: comment on 3/27/09 post), dumbass.
2 comments:
How about just a "homo"...it seems ambiguous enough to confuse people but still think you are smart. I can't stand it when people confuse "there", "their", and "they're". I have a question though: It always involves 2 or more words? Can you use one word to encomass the pair of words?
I see your point: a stand alone word cannot be any of the above "homos" or "heteros" without another (partially similar) word.
You've got me thinking on a whole other tangent now - rightly so, however. To confirm your point, I will offer the below representation:
1- dessert (sweet snack)
2- desert (to abandon)
3- desert (arid region)
2 + 3 = Heterophonic Homograph
1 + 3 = Homophonic Heterograph
1 + 2 = Heterophonic Heterograph
*Each of the above words fit in to 2 categories; therefore they must be paired in order to fulfill requirements. The only category you can put EVERY word in to is that of Heterophonic Heterograph.
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