Board vs. Bored

Homophones (literally "same sound") are usually defined as words that share the same pronunciation, regardless of how they are spelled. The words board, bored sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Why do board, bored sound the same even though they are completely different words? The answer is simple: board, bored are homophones of the English language. This also causes a lot of confusion in young and beginner English writers who mistake one word for the other. Consider the following sentences;

My company’s board has seven members.

John is bored with life, he is always lingering around.

Origin:

Bore originated in mid-18th century (as a verb): of unknown origin. Board originated from Old English bord, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch boord and German Bort ; reinforced in Middle English by Old French bort ‘edge, ship's side’ and Old Norse borth ‘board, table’.

Board as noun:

Board is used as a noun in English language where it means a long, thin, flat piece of wood or other hard material, used for floors or other building purposes.

Loose boards creaked as I walked on them.

A group of people constituted as the decision-making body of an organization is also called a board.

He sits on the board of directors.

Board also represents the provision of regular meals when one stays somewhere, in return for payment or services.

Board and lodging of Serena Hotel is amazing.

Board is also implied to represent to get on or into (a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle).

We boarded the plane for Oslo.

Bored as adjective:

Bored is used as an adjective in English language where it means feeling weary and impatient because one is unoccupied or lacks interest in one's current activity.

She got bored with staring out of the window.

Bored is also related to guns which is (of a gun) having a specified bore.

Large-bored guns are easier to target.

Bored as verb:

Bored is the past form of the verb bore which means to make (a hole) in something with a tool or by digging.

Bore a hole in the wall to pass the cable through.

Bore also implies the meaning of to cause (someone) to feel weary and uninterested by dull talk or behavior.

She is too polite to bore us with anecdotes.

Examples:

The board of Aer Lingus urged the Irish government on Friday to support a takeover bid by the parent of British Airways, saying the offer will accelerate the Irish airline’s growth plans and enhance Ireland’s position as hub for trans-Atlantic travel. [The New York Times]

A head chef cheated his bosses by going on a theft and fraud “spree” to stock up with olive oil, chopping boards and chicken drumsticks to open his own restaurant, a jury heard. [The Telegraph]

And that’s pretty much what they’ll get, but I hope they’re less bored than I was. [The Independent]

The gallery, 17 metres (56 feet) below the surface and reachable via a spiral staircase bored into sandstone, houses more than 2,000 pieces from Walsh’s personal collection, including works by renowned artists such as Damien Hirst and Jean-Michel Basquiat. [Reuters India]

Seems like every family has one — that middle-aged uncle who thinks he’s a riot but is really a bore. [Boston Herald]

Bored or board:

A board is a planed piece of wood, a ruling body for some organizations, or a verb that means to get in or on a form of transportation, such as a plane or ship. It also has varied other definitions. The homonym bored is an adjective that means to feel restless or antsy as a result of lack of activity or interest in current activity.

We hope you were not bored by reading this article.