deal, dele

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

The answer is simple: deal, dele are homophones of the English language.

deal
  1. :: verb-transitive

    To give out as a share or portion; apportion.

  2. :: verb-transitive

    To distribute among several recipients. See Synonyms at distribute.

  3. :: verb-transitive

    To sell: deal prescriptions; deal cocaine.

  4. :: verb-transitive

    To administer; deliver: dealt him a blow to the stomach.

dele
  1. :: noun

    A sign indicating that something is to be removed from printed or written matter.

  2. :: verb-transitive

    To remove, especially from printed or written matter; delete.

  3. :: verb-transitive

    To mark with a sign indicating deletion.

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").