autónimo

Autónimo refers to a word that is spelled the same as another word but has a different meaning and origin. This linguistic phenomenon is distinct from homonyms, which can be spelled and pronounced the same, and homophones, which sound the same but are spelled differently. For example, in English, "bat" as a flying mammal and "bat" as a piece of sporting equipment are autonyms. They share the same spelling but derive from unrelated etymological roots and represent entirely different concepts. The study of autonyms falls under the broader umbrella of etymology and lexicology, as understanding their origins helps clarify their distinct meanings and usage. Identifying autonyms is crucial for accurate language comprehension and avoiding ambiguity in communication. The existence of autonyms highlights the complex and often evolving nature of language, where words can converge in form while diverging in meaning over time.