Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word:
The army retreated to their strategic bases before launching a counterattack.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
She applied two coats of makeup bases before the foundation.
Explanation
Core Meaning: In the original sentence, "bases" is the plural form of base, referring to military installations or strongholds. A true homonym must be spelled identically but carry a completely distinct meaning or derivation.
To solve this quickly for an exam, look for the option that uses the word in an entirely different context. Options 2, 3, and 4 all use "bases" to mean military or strategic stations, matching the exact definition from the question. Option 1 uses "bases" to refer to cosmetic foundation or primer layers, which represents a completely different usage and meaning of the word.
Key Points
Core Definition: Homonyms are words that share the identical spelling and pronunciation but differ entirely in meaning, context, or semantic origin.
Grammatical Role: Identifying a plural noun that functions as a cosmetic object rather than a geographic or military station.