Confusing Words Clarified: Group A; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc.

(lists of "A" sections that are organized into what for some people are confusing groups of words)

English can be very confusing; for example, a house burns up as it burns down, a form is being filled in as it is being filled out, and an alarm goes off by going on. How about when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible?

As you examine the groups of words in this unit, you will find many examples of confusions; sometimes, just one or two letters in a word can change its meaning completely. There are also times when two different words get confused because their meanings apply to things that are very similar.

Efforts have been made to help you grasp the meanings of various words that may be confusing so you can utilize them with greater accuracy in your communication.

Your comments and suggestions are always welcome by writing to: E-mail Contact (just click it for an e-mail form) or by typing, [email protected], as the address in your e-mail heading.

If you have any problems understanding the pronunciation symbols, go to this Pronunciation Chart for clarifications.

aye, aye, eye, eye, I, I
aye (IGH as in hIGH) (interjection)
"Yes", used especially in Scotland and in the language of sailors: The sailor said, "Aye, aye, sir!" when the captain gave him an order.
aye (IGH as in hIGH) (noun)
Applied to indicate an affirmative or yes vote: All in favor, say "aye".
There are six nays and twelve ayes, so the ayes have it.
eye (IGH) (noun)
That part of the body used for seeing or the organ of vision in animals: Roscoe is wearing a patch over one eye and Rob has something in his eye.
eye (IGH) (verb)
To watch or to look at someone or something in a very close or careful way: The guards were instructed to eye everyone who entered the bank; especially, because of the recent robbery that took place there.
i, I (IGH as in hIGH) (noun)
The ninth letter of the English alphabet: The word "ice" begins with an i.
i, I (IGH as in hIGH) (pronoun)
A person who is speaking or writing; used as the subject of a verb: I feel fine, but I think that I should leave now.

"Aye, Aye, Sir", said I when asked to eye the horizon.

Pointing to explanation of homonyms, homophones, and homographs, etc. Confusing Words: Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs; explained and demonstrated.

Pointing back to Confusing Words Quizzes, Part AConfusing Words: Units, Groups A to Z.

Pointing back to Confusing Words Quizzes Confusing Words: Vocabulary Quizzes Listed.