Context Clues

Definition

100

If the lightbulb is too dim to illuminate (light up) the room, it should be replaced. 

Using context clues, what does illuminate mean?

light up

200

We do not like how the animals in the circus are treated, so our plan is to boycott—refuse to support—the circus.  

Using context clues, what does boycott mean?

refuse to support

300

The company had to demolish, that is destroy, the building to make room for the new parking lot.  

Using context clues, what does demolish mean?

destroy

400

The best way to describe Briar is she is ambitious: she works hard and is driven to succeed. 

Using context clues, what does ambitious mean?

someone who works hard and is driven to succeed

500

It takes perseverance- the ability to keep going without giving up-  when Tae practices wheelchair basketball even when she's exhausted. 

Using context clues, what does perseverance mean?

The ability to keep going without giving up.

Example

100

I needed some extra support, or help, in my math class.  

Using context clues, what does support mean?

help

200

The father and son collected kindling, such as dry twigs and sticks, so they could start a campfire. 

Using context clues, what does kindling mean?

dry twigs and sticks

300

In the past month we have had almost every type of precipitation, including rain, sleet, snow, and hail.  

Using context clues, what does precipitation mean?

rain, sleet, snow, and hail

400

Ares phone is reliable, it never freezes, always works, and is there when he needs it, unlike his friends' glitchy phones.  

Using context clues, what does reliable mean?

trustworthy

Synonym

100

Isaac's private passwords were marked 'confidential.'  

Using context clues, what does confidential mean?

private

200

Briar hates all types of seafood.  She detests tuna just as much as she dislikes shrimp.  

Using context clues, what does detest mean?

dislikes

300

Lean fats are essential to a healthy diet. Vegetables are very necessary too.  

Using context clues, what does essential mean?

necessary

400

It was an ordinary house. Like the one next to it, it didn’t stand out.  

Using context clues, what does ordinary mean?

doesn't stand out

Antonym

100

My sister always sleeps with the door closed, but I prefer to sleep with it slightly ajar.  

Using context clues, what does ajar mean?

open

200

Sofia loves chocolate cake, however, she absolutely loathes vanilla icing.  

Using context clues what does loathe mean?

hate

300

Last night Mark had copious amounts of homework, but tonight he doesn't have any!  

Using context clues, what does copious mean?

A lot

400

Unlike someone who refuses to work with others, Isaac and Ares know how to collaborate on their group project by sharing ideas and responsibilities.

Using context clues, what does collaborate mean?

Collaborate: work together with others

500

Our last principal was very lax with the rules, unlike our new principal who makes sure we follow them all.  

Using context clues, what does lax mean?

lenient, easy-going, not strict