Homophones

Steal is a verb meaning to take someone else’s property without permission or legal right, typically secretly or dishonestly. It can also be used metaphorically to mean taking something quickly or without consent. The word conveys stealth, illicitness, and a breach of trust, and it often appears in idioms like “steal the show” or “steal away.”

Steel is a hard, alloyed metal known for its strength and durability, formed by adding carbon to iron and sometimes other elements. It is characterized by a high tensile strength and versatile uses—from construction to tools. The word also appears in figurative phrases like “steely resolve,” conveying firm, unwavering determination.

Sun refers to the star at the center of our solar system, around which Earth orbits. It is also used as the daytime counterpart to night and to describe sunlight. In pronunciation, the word is a single-syllable, short vowel word produced with a closed mouth and a final nasal, making it brisk and crisp in everyday speech.

Tail is a short, single-syllable word meaning the rear or posterior part of an object or animal, or anything extending from the main body. In many contexts it also refers to the end portion of a sequence or event. It’s pronounced with a long, late vowel followed by the consonant /l/, producing a crisp, flowing final sound.

Tale is a fictitious or legendary narrative, typically concise and focused on a single story arc. As a noun, it denotes a short, often moral or entertaining, story passed down through culture. In usage, it contrasts with broad epics by emphasizing plot, character, and a clear ending.

Team refers to a group of individuals organized to work together toward a common goal. It conveys collaboration, coordination, and shared purpose, often implying equal contribution among members. In usage, the word can describe both formal athletic squads and workplace cohorts, emphasizing collective effort over individual action.

Teem means to be full of or swarming with people, things, or qualities; to abound or overflow. It also appears in contexts like crowds filling a space or ideas presenting in abundance. The core sense is rapid, plentiful presence, often implying movement or activity.

Threw is the past tense of throw, meaning to propel something with force from the hand. It is a simple, single-syllable verb that often appears in narratives and reported speech. The pronunciation is a long “oo” sound with a light treatment of the initial consonant, and it commonly collocates with objects you physically hurl or toss.

Throne is a noun referring to a ceremonial chair of authority or the seat of sovereignty. It can also symbolize royal power or leadership roles. In metaphorical use, a throne represents dominance or the central seat of power within a system or organization.

Through is a multifunctional word whose most common usage is as a preposition indicating passage from one side to the other or completing a sequence, or as an adjective meaning finished or resulting in a certain state. In everyday speech, it often functions as a connective, linking ideas or outcomes. The sound sequence is unusual for many learners due to the subtle /uː/ vowel and the final /-uː/ vowel reduction before a voiceless consonant.

Tide refers to the regular rise and fall of adult sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun, or more generally to a current or drift of water or sentiment. It can also describe a general tendency or current of events, such as people being swept along by a tide of opinion. In pronunciation terms, it is a monosyllabic word with a long/short vowel contrast depending on stress in compounds. It is commonly used in nautical, meteorological, and metaphorical contexts.

Tied is the past tense and past participle of tie, referring to something secured or fastened tightly. It also means being level or draw in a competition. The pronunciation centers on a long “i” vowel followed by a voiced alveolar stop, creating a concise, single-syllable word. Contexts span clothing, straps, games, and abstract connections.

Toad is a noun referring to a tailless amphibian with dry, bumpy skin, typically associated with moist habitats. It is also used metaphorically or in expressions describing an unpleasant or slow-moving person or thing. In biology, toads are a subset of amphibians within the order Buffonidae; in everyday speech, the term commonly denotes a specific type of frog-like creature rather than a general amphibian. The word transports a slightly rustic or rustic-country connotation in many contexts.

Too is an adverb meaning also or to a greater extent, used to add information, emphasize degree, or indicate excessive amount. It often contrasts with other elements in a sentence and can function as a qualifier in phrases like too much or too quickly. In many contexts, it implies a sense of surplus or agreement, and it typically appears near the verb or adjective it modifies.

Towed is the past tense of tow, meaning to pull behind with a rope, chain, or vehicle. It denotes a completed action of pulling someone or something, typically by motorized means. In usage, it often appears in contexts like towing a car, a trailer, or equipment, and can imply relocation or assistance under restraint or control.

The cardinal number equivalent to the sum of one plus one; the second in a sequence or set. As an adjective: denoting a quantity of two.

Waist is a noun referring to the part of the body between the ribs and the hips, or to a garment’s circumference around that area. It also appears in phrases describing tight or narrow fits. In usage, it often implies measurement, clothing fit, or body silhouette. The term is concise, common in everyday speech, and essential in fashion and anatomy contexts.

Waive is a verb meaning to intentionally refrain from insisting on a right, claim, or rule, or to relinquish a claim or privilege. It can also mean to refrain from performing a duty or obligation. It's often used in legal, policy, or procedural contexts and implies voluntary forgoing rather than being forced or required.