chic, sheik

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

The answer is simple: chic, sheik are homophones of the English language.

chic
  1. :: adjective

    Conforming to the current fashion; stylish: chic clothes; a chic boutique.

  2. :: adjective

    Adopting or setting current fashions and styles; sophisticated: chic, well-dressed young executives. See Synonyms at fashionable.

  3. :: noun

    The quality or state of being stylish; fashionableness.

  4. :: noun

    Sophistication in dress and manner; elegance.

sheik
  1. :: noun

    Islam A religious official.

  2. :: noun

    Islam A leader of an Arab family or village.

  3. :: noun

    Islam Used as a form of address for such an official or leader.

  4. :: noun

    Slang A romantically alluring man.

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").