Meaning

(linguistics, dated) Calque..

Definitions by Sense

1. (linguistics, dated) Calque.
2. (linguistics) A word having the same spelling as another, but with a different meaning and (often) pronunciation.
3. (literature) A fictitious character created by an author for the purpose of writing in a different style.

Example Sentences

Near-synonyms: heterophone, homograph

The word lead (/ˈlɛd/), for the metal, and lead (/ˈliːd/), for a leash, are heteronyms.

The word agape, "astonished" or "wide open," is a heteronym of agape, "Christian love."

[…] the present paper aims at illuminating the origins of the concept under study, as well as presenting its readers with the reasons why certain characters in some of Yeats’s works go beyond mere masks and personae and fulfil the criteria to be considered as heteronyms.

Heteronyms are the distinct poetic personae that Pessoa adopted during the writing of his poems, and who were presented as their true authors.

Word Forms

• heteronyms

Synonyms for heteronym

Related Words

When Should You Use Heteronym?

Use heteronym when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions