Understanding Homophones: The Pair 'Bear' and 'Bare'

This question asks us to identify a pair of homophones from the given options. Homophones are words that have the same pronunciation but different meanings and spellings. Let's analyze each option to find the correct pair.

Option 1: Read and Read

The words 'Read' (present tense) and 'Read' (past tense) are spelled identically. While their pronunciation changes depending on the tense (e.g., /riːd/ vs /rɛd/), they are not typically classified as homophones because they are the same word with different grammatical forms, not distinct words with different origins and meanings.

Option 2: Light and dark

The words 'Light' and 'dark' are opposites. They are antonyms, not homophones. They have different pronunciations, different spellings, and completely different meanings.

Option 3: Bear and bare

Let's look at 'Bear' and 'bare':

• Bear: This word can refer to the large mammal (like a grizzly bear) or the verb meaning to carry, support, or endure something (e.g., "I can't bear the pain").
• Bare: This word means not clothed or covered; naked or basic (e.g., "bare feet", "the bare minimum").

These two words, 'bear' and 'bare', sound exactly the same when spoken (pronounced /bɛər/), but they are spelled differently and have distinct meanings. This perfectly matches the definition of homophones.

Option 4: Pretty and beautiful

The words 'Pretty' and 'beautiful' have similar meanings; they are synonyms. They describe attractiveness. They do not sound the same and have different spellings and meanings.

Conclusion on Homophones

Based on the analysis, the pair 'Bear' and 'bare' are the only ones that fit the definition of homophones because they share the same sound but differ in spelling and meaning.