I noticed that dictionaries usually treat differently some homonyms, which for a learner's perspective look similar. For example:
- 熱い and 暑い are usually two different entries
- 早い and 速い are usually one entry, shown with multiple kanji. Even though 早い and 速い have a different usage.
To me, both fit in the "very similar in meaning but used in different contexts" category. For comparison, I find it logical to have two entries for 熱い and 厚い and one entry for 青い and 蒼い.
As a learner I see little difference between the two examples. Is there a fundamental difference between these pairs of homonyms, is there something deeper, maybe from the etymology?
If so, is it important for a learner to see those two cases differently?