Conversion Vs. Homonym

One of the word formation processes is conversion: the creation or formation of a word from another class of word without any change in the segmental components.

For example:

(A) Have a drink.

(B) I need to drink, I am thirsty.

In these two examples, the word ‘drink’ has transposed from a noun into a verb.

Let’s compare to the following.

(C) Ayah mengganti genting yang pecah.

(D) Keuangan perusahaan ayah sangat genting.

In this case, the word ‘genting’ is used with a totally different meaning. Genting in (C) means a roof tile, while in (D) it means critical.

This is what is called homonym, one word with many totally different meanings. Some other examples of homonym are:

(E) I watch TV almost every night.

(F) I lost my watch.

(G) Bisa ular itu sangat berbahaya.

(H) Wah, maaf. Saya tidak bisa.

(I) Some elephants eat barks of tree.

(J) The dog barks very loudly.

Can you find some more examples?