Ask Dr Stupid: Language Corrections

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Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2005 10:19:22 -0700
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To: Dr. Stupid
From: sdarshan@prodigy.net.mx (Patricia)
Subject: just a little correction

Below is the result of your feedback form.  It was submitted by
Patricia (sdarshan@prodigy.net.mx) on Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 10:19:22
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email: sdarshan@prodigy.net.mx

realname: Patricia

subject: just a little correction

Form-ID: Dr. Stupid Form

Message: Dear Dr. Stupid, 
 
I have enjoyed your webpage. However, with my limited English proficiency, I couldn't 
help to notice that you describe homonyms as words that sound the same. Homonyms are 
actually words that name the same noun such as dog and canine (Etymology- homo, same  
and nomis, name). Words that sound the same are actually homophones (homo, same and 
phonos- sound). 
 
Keep up the good work. 
 
Patricia Caballero 
Monterrey, Mexico.

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It is pleasant to have a concerned visitor, especially that of one from another country where English is not the dominant language. Also, thank you for taking time to offer some friendly assistance and advice. Dr. Stupid does take all criticism seriously, especially when it comes to mistakes made by Dr. Stupid. Despite Dr. Stupid's cranium being made up of a panty-hose egg and is filled with plain old air, that is no excuse to not be properly educated.

While you have pointed out a mistake on the site, you have also made errors in your attempt to prevent further errors. Since English is not your native language, Dr. Stupid can understand why you might be having problems. English is not an easy language, as it defies logic for the most part.

To find a solution to this problem, Dr. Stupid used his mitten-style hands to do some research. A quick search lead to the following description:
Homonyms: spelled the same, sound the same, different meanings. A word that can have multiple meanings depending upon the contextual usage of the word. For example, fair. Fair can be an event, such as a state fair. Fair can also be a statement of judgement, as in not being preferential to one side of the story as another.
Homophones: Spelled differently, sound the same, different meanings. A great example of this is as follows: "They're over there with their stuff". They're: abbreviated for "they are". There: an indicator of position. Their: possessive form of "they".
Homonyms and homophones are related. Not all homophones are homonyms, but all homonyms are homophones. Dr. Stupid could be wrong on that one.
If you are not already confused, you soon will be.

What you, Patricia, are describing, are synonyms, or heteronyms: words that are interchangable. Your example of "dog/canine" is an ideal example of this. Synonyms are words that mean the same thing, but do not sound the same. The words are similar in definition and usage. In other words, there is more than one way to skin a cat. The subject of that is for another article though.

Keep up with the language studies. You are already seeing the stupidity build into the English language, so you're well on your way to mastering it.