When a noun and verb are spelled the same but sound different, remembering how to say them can be very confusing. In most cases, there is a simple rule to help you.
If the word is a noun, stress the first syllable.
If the word is a verb, stress the second.
It helps if you remember that in many instances, we say the noun FIRST, then the verb SECOND in sentences. Here are some examples. The stress is shown as CAPS. The NOUN and VERB are highlighted:
polish: The POLish woman will polISH her shoes.
conflict: The CONflict conFLICTS with the UN’s charter.