overdo, overdue

The words overdo, overdue sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Why do overdo, overdue sound the same even though they are completely different words?

The answer is simple: overdo, overdue are homophones of the English language.

overdo
  1. :: intransitive verb

  2. :: intransitive verb

    To do, use, or stress to excess; carry (something) too far.

  3. :: intransitive verb

    To exaggerate.

  4. :: intransitive verb

    To wear out the strength of; overtax.

overdue
  1. :: adjective

    Being unpaid when due.

  2. :: adjective

    Coming or arriving after the scheduled or expected time: <i>synonym</i>: <strong> tardy</strong>.

  3. :: adjective

    Expected or required but not yet having come about.

  4. ::

    Delayed or with-held beyond the usual or assigned time: as, an <em>overdue</em> ship.

Definitions from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition., from The Century Dictionary. and Wordnik.

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About Homophones

Homophones (literally "same sound") are usually defined as words that share the same pronunciation, regardless of how they are spelled.

If they are spelled the same then they are also homographs (and homonyms); if they are spelled differently then they are also heterographs (literally "different writing").