Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Practice Test

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Prepare for the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment. Study effectively with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your exam preparation today!

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Which of the following describes words that are spelled the same but have different meanings?

Capitonyms
Homographs
Heteronyms
Synonyms

The correct answer is: Homographs

The term that describes words that are spelled the same but have different meanings is homographs. Homographs can often create confusion in written language, as their pronunciation and meaning can vary based on context. For example, the word "lead" can refer to a type of metal or the act of guiding someone. Capitonyms refer to words that change their meaning (and often pronunciation) when capitalized, such as "march" (the month) and "March" (the verb to walk). Heteronyms are a specific type of homograph that have different pronunciations and meanings, such as "tear" (to rip) and "tear" (a drop of liquid from the eye). Synonyms are words that have similar meanings, which is unrelated to the concept of spelling or differing meanings. Understanding these distinctions helps in improving literacy, as it clarifies language structure and meaning.