DEFINITION
What is another term for definition clues?
Description clues
Define example clues.
Specific examples are used to define the term.
Define synonym clues.
A synonym, or word with the same meaning, is used in the sentence.
The reader may discover the meaning of an unknown word because it repeats an idea expressed in familiar words nearby.
Define antonym clues.
A word or group of words that has the opposite meaning reveals the meaning of an unknown term.
When Beth and Donna were fighting over a boy who didn’t like either one of them, Shana stepped in as a mediator. She sat them both in a corner and kept them talking to each other. Finally, Shana’s efforts resulted in her two friends making up. What does mediator mean?
a. troublemaker b. peacemaker
c. witness d. competitor
B
Nard's duplicity, crafty dishonesty, caused him to steal his classmate's wallet.
What does "duplicity" mean?
crafty dishonesty
Amphibians, such as frogs, toads, and salamanders, live close to water.
What does "amphibian" mean?
Amphibians are vertebrates (animals with backbones) which are able, when adult, to live both in water and on land.
The annual bazaar is scheduled for the last day of school. It's always a fun festival.
What is the synonym of the italicized word?
Festival
Your uncle wouldn’t even part with a dime to help the kids pay for their trip. That’s just one more example of his penurious ways. In contrast, many people who have much less money have donated a great deal to the cause.
What does “penurious” mean?
a. very old c. very wealthy
b. very humorous d. very stingy
D
Turner almost wished that he hadn’t listened to the radio. He went to the closet and grabbed his umbrella. He would feel silly carrying it to the bus stop on such a sunny morning.
Which probably happened?
a. Turner realized that he had an unnatural fear of falling radio parts.
b. Turner had promised himself to do something silly that morning.
c. Turner had heard a weather forecast that predicted rain.
d. Turner planned to trade his umbrella for a bus ride.
C
Definition clues are not directly stated in the text, but the definitions of unfamiliar word can be assumed by both prior knowledge and by the context in which the word sits.
TRUE or FALSE?
FALSE
The decor, including the fancy lights, beautiful paintings, and unique furniture, made the house look stunning.
What does "decor" mean?
style or mode of decoration, as of a room, building, or the like
When I looked in the field, I was hapless trying to find a four leaf clover and left feeling luckless.
What words are synonymous to each other?
hapless and luckless
Unlike Hailey, who was very original, Olivia was very banal.
What does "banal" mean?
so lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring
No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TVs and many other appliances come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous.
If something is ubiquitous, __________.
it is everywhere
Define definition/description clues.
A word's or phrase's meaning is explained immediately after its use.
The new term may be formally defined, or sufficient explanation may be given within the sentence or in the following sentence.
Because of the hazards of the trip - for example the chance of getting lost, the unbearable heat, the presence of poisonous snakes, the road accidents, etc. - Kathy's parents refused to let her go.
"Hazard" means ___________.
danger or risk
After seeing the picture of the starving people, we felt compassion or pity for their suffering.
what is the antonym for the word "compassion"?
The industrious server made a lot of money off of tips from his customers while the lazy servers went home with just a few dollars.
What is the synonym of the word "industrious"?
Hardworking
As the summer sun sent scattered rays through the maple and oak leaves overhead, the young deer stood frozen, making it almost impossible for the hikers to see her.
In the above passage, the word “frozen” means _______.
not moving
Construct a sentence using definition clues.
(Answer may vary)
One way to build up your vocabulary is by studying homonyms such as, "weigh" and "way".
What does "homonyms" mean?
each of two or more words having the same spelling or pronunciation but different meanings and origins.
We have rather lofty expectations for you, son. You will attend college. You will become rich and famous. You will be elected president of the United States before you turn forty.
Which word is a synonym of “lofty”?
high
Although some men are loquacious, others hardly talk at all.
What does the italicized word mean?
talking or tending to talk much or freely; talkative
Define inference clues.
Sufficient clues might be available for the careful reader to make an educated guess at the meaning.
Word's meaning are not directly stated in the text, but the definitions of unfamiliar word can be assumed by both prior knowledge and by the context in which the word sits.