What is the definition of a homophone?

A homophone is defined as a word that is pronounced the same as another word but has a different meaning and often a different spelling. This definition captures the essence of what homophones are, illustrating the key characteristic of their identical pronunciation while highlighting their distinct meanings. Examples include pairs like "bare" and "bear," which sound the same but refer to different concepts. This understanding is important in the context of language, as it shows how pronunciation can lead to ambiguity in communication, making it essential to grasp the meaning behind words based on their context.

The other definitions provided are for different linguistic concepts, such as synonyms or homographs, which do not encapsulate the defining feature of homophones. Recognizing the correct definition helps in building a better understanding of how language works and the nuances involved in word meanings and sounds.