Context Clues: Definition
The teacher told him not to err, explaining that even a small mistake could change the outcome of the experiment.
Make a mistake.
Her comment was so frivolous—light, silly, and lacking seriousness—that the teacher moved on without responding.
Trivial / silly
The puppy was anything but docile; instead of being calm and easy to guide, it pulled wildly on the leash.
Docile = easy to teach/manage (antonym clue: unmanageable)
His outfit—covered in gold chains, glowing sneakers, and oversized sunglasses—was clearly ostentatious.
Ostentatious = flashy / meant to attract attention.
Because the article spread false claims, she chose to repudiate it and declare it untrue.
Repudiate = reject as untrue.
The abandoned house looked dilapidated, meaning it was in such decay that the roof sagged and the walls crumbled
In a state of decay or deterioration
His vehement argument, filled with passionate and forceful emotion, surprised everyone in the room.
Passionate / intense
Her response was completely tactful, the opposite of rude or insensitive, as she considered everyone’s feelings.
Tactful = considerate and polite.
The cafeteria erupted into a cacophony of clattering trays, shouting students, and screeching chairs.
Cacophony = loud, harsh mixture of sounds.
His business became so lucrative that he earned more in one month than he had the entire previous year.
Lucrative = profitable
Multiple witnesses helped corroborate her story, making it more certain and supported by evidence.
Support with evidence or make more certain.
Their club promoted an egalitarian vision, encouraging equal treatment and fairness for all members.
Equal / equality-focused.
The hike was surprisingly not arduous; instead of being exhausting and difficult, it was short and easy.
Arduous = difficult, requiring effort.
Only a true champion could vanquish an opponent so completely that the match ended in minutes.
Vanquish = defeat completely.
She didn’t want to accuse him directly, so she chose to insinuate the idea by hinting at it subtly.
Insinuate = suggest indirectly.
Because he was so taciturn, he rarely spoke in class and kept most of his thoughts to himself.
Habitually silent or uncommunicative.
Her conscientious approach, marked by careful and diligent effort, made her assignments the most detailed in the class.
Diligent / careful
Unlike his usual ungainly movements—clumsy and awkward—today he walked smoothly and confidently.
Ungainly = awkward / lacking grace
Their strong rapport showed in how easily they communicated, trusted one another, and worked together smoothly.
Rapport = positive, trusting relationship
The judge delivered a dictum, a formal statement that everyone in the courtroom had to follow.
Dictum = authoritative declaration.
The coach removed him from the lineup due to his inept performance, calling him ineffective and unprepared.
Generally incompetent or ineffective
Because he was so punctilious, every detail—from spacing to labels—had to be exactly correct.
Meticulous / exact.
Rather than acquiesce and quietly agree, she refused and stood firm in her decision.
Acquiesce = agree / give in.
The sailors grew mutinous, refusing orders, shouting in protest, and challenging their captain’s authority.
Mutinous = rebellious.
He gave an imperious command, speaking as though he were superior to everyone else in the room.
Imperious = arrogant / domineering.