What happens to the word 'permit' if the accent is changed?

Prepare for the ALTA Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) Exam. Use our flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

When the accent or stress of the word 'permit' is changed, it results in a shift in its meaning, illustrating the concept of a heteronym. When the first syllable is stressed (PER-mit), it functions as a verb, meaning to allow something to happen. However, when the stress is placed on the second syllable (per-MIT), the word becomes a noun referring to a document that provides permission. This change demonstrates how the same spelling can represent different roles in language, emphasizing the importance of pronunciation in determining meaning.

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