Here’s What Happens When Words Have Too Many Meanings

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times: There’s more to translation than taking a word in one language, finding the meaning of that word in another language, and plugging it into a sentence. We recently looked at a list of words called homonyms, which are spelled the same and are pronounced the same, but have a totally different meanings. When taken out of context, they can produce quite the translation dilemma. But these are not the only words that can cause commotion when it comes to proper translation.

The Hassle of Homophones

There are many words that sound the same, but have different spellings and meanings, called homophones. Some examples include:

• Eight – a number
  Ate – the past tense of eat
• Blue – a colour
  Blew – the past tense of blow
• Genes – a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome (Merriam-Webster)
  Jeans – denim pants

Then there’s the really confusing words with three meanings:

• Meddle – to interfere in someone else’s private affairs
  Metal – a substance that conducts electricity or heat
  Medal – a small metal object issued to commemorate a person or event or awarded for excellence or achievement (Merriam-Webster).
• Their – relating to them
  They’re – they are
  There – in or at that place
• Bye – a sentiment of farewell when leaving
  Buy – to make a purchase with money
  By – in proximity to; near

The Horror of Homographs

Words that are spelled the same, but are pronounced differently and have different meanings, are called homographs. These are easier to decipher in speech, but can be a nightmare for written translations. This is where the translator must rely on context as their guide.

• Bat:
  A winged, nocturnal animal
  A piece of sports equipment
• Fair:
  Not dark
  A local celebration
  Not good or bad; acceptable
• Minute:
  Very small
  A measure of time (60 seconds)
• Bass:
  A low tone voice
  A stringed instrument with the lowest range
  A freshwater fish
• Lie:
  A false statement
  The act of telling something untruthful
  To be in a horizontal position
• Wind:
  A movement of air
  To repeatedly twirl or coil an object

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