Learn the homonym short

For many students, learning homophones is a challenge because they are quite difficult to remember and understand.

Today, same EnglishTop Supplement your knowledge of homophones and develop your vocabulary. Let's explore the meaning and use of the homophone "short". Have you ready your notebook because today's lesson will be very interesting.

1. The homonym “Short” talks about length and distance

First considered as an adjective, “short” has the meaning of describing a limitation in distance, height or length, specifically it means “short, close, low”.

In the examples below, we will use the homonym “short” to describe short hair, short walking distances, or the opposite of a tall person (being short).

For example:

• Her hair is much shorter than it used to be.

• It’s only a short walk from my house to the station.

• She is shorter than her sister.

2. The homonym “Short” talks about quantity/count

Next, the word “short” also means not having enough of something. In this context, we use the homonym “short” here to mean something lacking or not enough.

For example:

• People are short of food and water because of the crisis.

• The bill is $200 but our money is just $150. We are $50 short.

3. "Short" is used as a noun

In addition to being used as an adjective, The word “short” also means an alcoholic beverage/a type of strong alcohol without the addition of water or any other liquid. The term is used informally in the UK to describe a strong drink, while in the US the word "shot" is used.

4. Conclusion

In short, the homonym “short” has many different meanings. The 3 main meanings can be summarized as follows:

• Short in length, distance, or height.

• Not having enough of something (lacking)

• A strong alcoholic drink, a type of strong alcohol.