sew, so, sow

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

The answer is simple: sew, so, sow are homophones of the English language.

sew
  1. :: verb-transitive

    To make, repair, or fasten by stitching, as with a needle and thread or a sewing machine: sew a dress; sew on a button.

  2. :: verb-transitive

    To furnish with stitches for the purpose of closing, fastening, or attaching: sew an incision closed.

  3. :: verb-intransitive

    To work with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine.

  4. :: phrasal-verb

    sew up Informal To complete successfully: Our team has sewn up the championship.

so
  1. :: adverb

    In the condition or manner expressed or indicated; thus: Hold the brush so.

  2. :: adverb

    To the amount or degree expressed or understood; to such an extent: She was so weary that she fell.

  3. :: adverb

    To a great extent; to such an evident degree: But the idea is so obvious.

  4. :: adverb

    Because of the reason given; consequently: She was weary and so fell.

sow
  1. :: verb-transitive

    To scatter (seed) over the ground for growing.

  2. :: verb-transitive

    To spread (land, for example) with seed.

  3. :: verb-transitive

    To strew something around or over (an area); distribute something over.

  4. :: verb-transitive

    To propagate; disseminate: sow rumors.

Definitions from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition 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").