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How many heteronyms in the English language?

There's no definitive answer to how many heteronyms exist in the English language. Here's why:

* Defining a Heteronym: The term "heteronym" itself is not universally agreed upon. Some definitions focus on words with different pronunciations and meanings, while others also require different spellings.

* Subjective Nature: There's a degree of subjectivity in determining whether a word pair qualifies as a heteronym. Some words have subtle differences in pronunciation, making the distinction debatable.

* Constantly Evolving Language: The English language is dynamic, with new words and meanings constantly arising. The number of heteronyms is therefore not static.

Some examples of heteronyms:

* Bow: (n.) a knot, (v.) to bend

* Lead: (n.) a heavy metal, (v.) to guide

* Minute: (n.) a unit of time, (adj.) very small

* Polish: (n.) a substance for shining, (v.) to shine

Instead of trying to count them, it's more interesting to explore the concept and learn to identify heteronyms in the language you use.

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