Pronunciation Tip #5 - Homographs

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There are certain verbs which, depending on the context, can also function as nouns, so it can be quite confusing if you do not pay attention to the differences between them in terms of pronunciation. They usually vary with respect to the syllable where the stress is placed. Here are some examples (stress marked with an apostrophe):

Con'tent   (v.) vs.   'Content   (n.)

Examples: I content myself with passing the exam.

You'd better not know the contents of that box.

                    

Con'trast   (v.) vs. 'Contrast   (n.)

Examples: I always like to contrast the information.

There is a contrast between the two pictures.

Dis'count   (v.) vs.   'Discount   (n.)

Examples: They discounted 30 dollars off the price of the coat.

They are selling fridges at a discount.

E'ssay   (v.) vs.   'Essay   (n.)

Examples: The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps.

Essays often drive me mad

Ob'ject   (v.) vs.   'Object   (n.)

Examples: He objected that his motives had been good.

He is an object of affection.

Pre'sent   (v.) vs.   'Present   (n.)

Examples: I want to present my new project.

It is time to buy the Christmas presents.

Pro'ject   (v.) vs.   'Project   (n.)

Examples: It projected the slide onto a screen.

My new project is based on animal behaviour.

Pro'test   (v.) vs.   'Protest   (n.)

Examples: Thousands protested the election fraud.

Some protests are often followed by fights.

Re'cord    (v.) vs.   'Record  (n.)

Examples: She recorded her thoughts in a diary.

This has been the coldest day on record.

Re'ject   (v.) vs.   'Reject    (n.)

Examples: The manager rejected all requests for time off.

He is a reject from the varsity team.