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. Using the antonym clue, the word incompetent in this sentence means

useless

300

Although she was skeptical about our plan at first, she finally believed that it would be a good idea. Using the antonym clue, the word skeptical in this sentence means

doubtful

400

The sight of the ominous clouds told us that clear weather was far from our area. Using the antonym clue, the word ominous in this sentence means

stormy or dark

500

Some people are reticent, while others talk about their feelings freely. Using the antonym clue, the word reticent in this sentence means

secretive

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 paints 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

What is a direct definition context clue?

The definition of the word you don’t know is right in the text

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 silly cases into his court. Using the explanation clue, the word frivolous in this sentence means

silly

400

Ms. Trangle explained to her math class how fractions divide a whole into different parts. Hawa, 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

Even more practice

100

I meandered through the mall taking my time looking at all the clothes in the windows. What does meandered mean?

wandered; walk slowly

200

Read the passage below.  Which word or words best helps you understand the meaning of the word obedient?

The obedient child always followed her mother's requests.  That night, she brushed her teeth, folded her clothes, and went to bed before her mother had to come in and remind her.  

followed her mother's request

300

Ms. Hawkins REPRIMANDED a student for throwing paper airplanes in class.

scolded

400

The mummies of Egypt are very old. So people think the Egyptians had special ways of embalming. Actually, it was the dry air that helped them preserve the dead.

keeping the dead from rotting/ decomposing

500

Is everything okay? 

You seemed lethargic at school today. 

Yeah, I just didn't get enough sleep last night. I'll have to go to bed earlier tonight. 

lacking in energy; sluggish