- Words with two pronunciations
- ◊ different meaningsSeveral words have different pronunciations when they are used with different meanings or in different ways.\Some of these words are explained in other entries. See entries at ↑ lead, ↑ read, ↑ use - used - used to, ↑ wind, and ↑ wound. See entry at ↑ old for a note on the pronunciation of `aged'.\The following words also have different pronunciations for different meanings:\• `Bow' is pronounced when it is used as a verb or a noun to refer to the act of bending your body. It is also pronounced when it refers to the front of a boat.
We bowed to one another across the room.
He made a little bow and closed the door.
\Soon the canoe was cutting through the water with froth curling at her bow.
`Bow' is pronounced when it refers to a looped knot, a weapon, or the object drawn across the strings of a musical instrument.He tied a neat bow.
\Then she picked up her bow and positioned her cello.
• `Buffet' is pronounced when it refers to a meal.\Ruth's got a cold buffet for us later.
It is pronounced when it means `to push something violently'.\We splashed back to the jeep, buffeted by the wind.
• `Contract' is pronounced when it is used to refer to a legal agreement.\I did not sign a contract with them.
It is pronounced when it means `to become smaller'.\Metals expand with heat and contract with cold.
• `Recess' is pronounced when it refers to a break from working.\The judge announced a five-minute recess.
It is pronounced when it refers to an area in a room that is set back or hidden.\The bed is in a recess.
• `Relay' is pronounced when it refers to a race or when it means `to send on television or radio signals'.They came second in the 4x100 metres relay.
\The dense cloud prevented the BBC from using a helicopter to relay pictures of the event.
It is pronounced when it means `to pass on something that was said'.\I have been asked to relay to you a number of messages.
• `Row' is pronounced when it refers to a group of things in a line, or when it means `to move a boat using oars'....a row of parked cars.
\He began to row steadily out towards the middle of the river.
It is pronounced when it refers to a quarrel or a great deal of noise.\She took an overdose after a row with her mother.
• `Second' is pronounced when it refers to part of a minute, when it is used as an ordinal, or when it means `to formally support a proposal'.Could I see your book for a second?
...at the top of the second flight of stairs.
\I'll second that proposal.
It is pronounced when it means `to move someone temporarily to perform special duties'.\I am being seconded abroad for two years.
• `Sow' is pronounced when it means `to plant seeds'.\You can sow winter wheat in October.
It is pronounced when it refers to a female pig.\• `Tear' is pronounced when it refers to a drop of liquid produced when you cry.\A single tear rolls slowly down his cheek.
It is pronounced when used with other meanings, for example when it means `to pull cloth or paper apart' or `to run somewhere very fast'.She folded the letter, meaning to tear it up.
\I used to tear up the ladder onto the stage with only seconds to spare.
◊ different word classesMany words have different pronunciations for different word classes — for example they are always pronounced in one way when they are used as a noun and always pronounced in a different way when they are used as a verb. Various groups of words which have different pronunciations for different word classes are explained below.\◊ different stressA number of words have stress on the first syllable when they are used as a noun or adjective and stress on the second syllable when they are used as a verb. For example, `record' is pronounced when used as a noun or adjective and when used as a verb. `Contest' is pronounced when used as a noun and when used as a verb.\The following words have this pronunciation pattern:abstract, accent, ally, combine, compound, conduct, conflict, conscript, console, consort, construct, contest, contrast, converse, convert, convict, defect, desert, dictate, discharge, discount, dispute, entrance, escort, exploit, export, extract, ferment, fragment, frequent, implant, import, imprint, incense, incline, increase, insult, intrigue, object, perfect, permit, pervert, present, produce, progress, project, prospect, prostrate, protest, rebel, record, recount, redress, refund, reject, relapse, reprint, subject, survey, suspect, torment, transfer, transplant, transport\Similarly, the verb `confine' is pronounced and the noun `confines' is pronounced . The verb `proceed' is pronounced and the noun `proceeds' is pronounced . `Compact' is pronounced when used as a verb and or when used as an adjective.\◊ '-se'`Use' is pronounced when used as a verb and when used as a noun. The same applies to the last syllable of `abuse', `excuse', and `misuse'. Similarly, `diffuse' is pronounced when used as a verb and when used as an adjective.\Note that `refuse' is pronounced when used as a verb and when used as a noun.\`Close' is pronounced when used as a verb and when used as an adjective or adverb.\`House' is pronounced when used as a singular noun and when used as a verb. The plural of the noun is pronounced .\◊ other pronunciations`Attribute' is pronounced when used as a verb and when used as a noun.\`Content' is pronounced when used as a noun and when used as an adjective or verb.\`Excess' is pronounced when used as an adjective and when used as a noun.\`Implement' is pronounced when used as a verb and when used as a noun.\`Invalid' is pronounced when used as a noun or modifier and when used as an adjective.\`Live' is pronounced when used as a verb and when used as an adjective or adverb. `Lives' is pronounced when used as the plural of the noun `life' and when used as the `-s' form of the verb `live'.\`Minute' is pronounced when used as a noun and when used as an adjective.\`Mouth' is pronounced when used as a singular noun and when used as a verb. The plural of the noun is pronounced .\`Overall' is pronounced when used as an adjective or adverb and when used as a noun.\`Overflow' is pronounced when used as a verb and when used as a noun. Similarly, `overlap' is pronounced when used as a verb and when used as a noun, and `overthrow' is pronounced when used as a verb and when used as a noun.\`Overhead' is pronounced when used as an adjective and when used as an adverb. The noun `overheads' is pronounced .\`Underground' is pronounced when used as an adverb and when used as an adjective or noun.\`Upset' is pronounced when used as a verb or as an adjective after a verb. It is pronounced when used as a noun or as an adjective in front of a noun.\
Useful english dictionary. 2012.
