Context Clues

Synonyms

100

The witness began to prevaricate when questioned under oath. He hesitated instead of answering right away. Using the synonym clue, the word prevaricate in this sentence means

hesitate

200

Hurricane Katrina caused a great cataclysm - New Orleans was a disaster. Using the synonym clue, the word cataclysm in this sentence means

disaster

300

Ashley stared at the newest style of jeans in the catalog. She just had to have them. Her birthday money was not quite enough to cover the expense. Although she didn't want to grovel, she decided to plead with her parents for the money to buy them. Using the synonym clue, the word grovel in this sentence means

plead; beg

400

The events for the conference were listed in chronological order. They began with the first event of the day and ended with the closing ceremonies in the evening. Using the synonym clue, the word chronological in this sentence means

in order

500

The young man had a robust appearance; that is, strong and healthy. Using the synonym clue, the word robust in this sentence means

strong; healthy

Antonyms

100

For the project, the teacher said the design was inalterable, but the color could be changed. Using the antonym clue, the word inalterable in this sentence means

changeable

200

The lead dog was so incompetent that he had to be replaced by one that was more useful to the pack. What is the antonym for incompetent?

useful, smart

300

Although she was skeptical about our plan at first, she finally believed that it would be a good idea. What is an antonym for skeptical? 

Certain

400

The sight of the ominous clouds told us that clear weather was far from our area. What is an antonym for ominous?

Promising

500

Some people are reticent, while others talk about their feelings freely. What is an antonym for reticent?

Expansive, freely 

Direct Definition

100

The student in Ms. Gloppen's Communication's class ASPIRES, aims to achieve, spending the next four years at Harvard University. Using context clues, what does aspire mean?

aims to achieve

200

Ms. Gloppen was very disappointed to see a student with his pants below his waist, a bad word on his shirt, and a hat on his head. She CHIDED him in the hallway, meaning she expressed her disapproval. Using context clues, what does chided mean?

expressed her disapproval

300

The factory supervisor demanded an inspection, which is a careful and critical examination of all of the meats processed each day. Using context clues, what does inspection mean?

a careful and critical examination

400

There are many theories, or ideas, about what made the Ice Ages happen. Using context clues, what does theories mean?

ideas

500

Most students took the class seriously, with the exception of Tom, who is very facetious. What does facetious mean?

Someone who doesn't take anything seriously. 

British Slang

100

The LORRY that drove down the road was full of good for the grocery store.

Semi or Truck

200

We went to grandma's for A CUPPA and cakes. 

Cup of tea

300

Put those groceries in the BOOT. 

Trunk of a car

400

That abandoned building looks a bit DODGY. 

Wrong, illegal, off

500

Me and the boys went down to the pub and got into a DONNYBROOK with Mark and his friends because they think United is better than City. 

A public fight or argument

So you think you're a context clue master?

100

The children in the science class worked together as a team. The great SYNERGY that was created made the project a huge success. Using the explanation clue, the word synergy in this sentence means

teamwork

200

Supporting details hold up the main idea in a paragraph or piece of writing just like the pillars of the Parthenon BUTTRESS the top layer. Using context clues , what does Buttress mean?

a structure built to steady another structure through support

300

The lawsuit was so frivolous that the judge dismissed the case and told the attorney not to bring any more of these cases into his court. Using the context clues, the word frivolous in this sentence means

silly

400

Ms. Trangle explained to her math class how fractions divide a whole into different parts. Jane, as a good math student, CLEAVED the pie chart into eight pieces. Using context clues, what does cleaved mean?

to cut into parts

500

Mr. Covert will not accept answers in his class unless the students are able to support their answers with evidence from the text. He told the students they must CORROBORATE their statements related to the text. Using context clues, what does corroborate mean?

to make more certain or confirm