homophonous
homophonous Lexical Profile
homophonous Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having the same pronunciation as another word or symbol, despite differing in meaning, origin, or spelling.
"The words 'knight' and 'night' are homophonous in modern English, though their spellings reflect different historical pronunciations."
Characterized by a single melodic line supported by chords or parts moving together in the same rhythm, or sounding in unison.
"The choir shifted from complex polyphony to a clear, homophonous passage so the congregation could easily follow the lyrics."
Word Nuance & Usage
In linguistics, 'homophonous' and 'homophonic' both describe words that sound alike, though in music, 'homophonic' specifically refers to a texture where a primary melody is supported by chordal accompaniment.
• Rhymes for homophonous
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Late Latin word 'homophonus', which comes from the Ancient Greek 'homophonos' (sounding in unison), combining 'homos' (same) and 'phone' (voice or sound).