Word Meaning
What word means “wanting to do or have something very much”?
A. Attempt
B. Variety
C. Eager
D. Proceed
C. Eager
Although he didn’t want to admit it, Arthur’s report card was outstanding. He pulled up his grades in three classes. His sister, Anna, didn’t know what to say. She was used to getting better grades than him.
Which words make the BEST context clues for defining the word, “outstanding”?
A. didn’t want to admit
B. pulled up his grades
C. in three classes
D. what to say
B. pulled up his grades
Which word is a synonym for “practice”?
A. Hardship
B. Competition
C. Routine
D. Calculate
C. Routine
When you “practice” you are repeating an exercise. You are going through a “routine”.
What is the meaning of the phrase, “leave no stone left unturned”?
A. To work hard at making money
B. To build a house using stone instead of wood
C. To turn around your life and try to do better
D. To search every small detail
D. To search every small detail
Eurystheus, the king responsible for Heracles’s 12 labors, goes after Heracles's sons following his death. He wants "no stone left unturned" in finding them.
To bring something to an end.
What word does this define?
A. Conclude
B. Plead
C. Frequent
D. Hardship
A. Conclude
This is the third time I asked you nicely. Please do not distract me from my math homework. You are preventing me from getting it done, and I really want to play outside.
Which word makes the BEST context clue for defining the word, “distract”?
A. Asked
B. Nicely
C. Preventing
D. Really
C. Preventing
What is a synonym for “tragedy”?
A. disaster
B. tradition
C. Precious
D. Typical
A. Disaster
A disaster is a sudden event that causes great damage.
What does it mean to “open up Pandora’s box”?
A. To receive an expensive gift
B. To stir up trouble
C. To take without permission
B. To stir up trouble
According to the Greeks, Pandora opened a box containing death and many other evils which were then released into the world.
What word means “a verbal or written answer”?
A. Resist
B. Concentrate
C. Focus
D. Response
D. Response
The trophy was on a shelf in Gene’s room. He was very modest when he talked about winning the race. He didn’t want to brag. His mother was very proud of him.
Which words make the BEST context clues for defining the word, “modest”.
A. On a shelf
B. When he talked
C. About winning the race
D. Didn’t want to brag
D. Didn’t want to brag
What is an antonym for “entire”?
A. Whole
B. Incomplete
C. Slow
D. Quick
B. Incomplete
“Entire” means having all of the parts. The opposite of that would be “incomplete”.
What does the phrase, “food of the gods” mean?
A. Something is delicious
B. Something is expensive
C. Something is impossible to get
D. Something has no flavor
A. Something is delicious
According to the Greeks, the gods ate delicious foods. Nectar and ambrosia were what the gods normally ate. If a mortal ate ambrosia or drank nectar, they would turn immortal.
To feel slightly worried or nervous about something
What word does this define?
A. Envy
B. Coax
C. Queasy
D. Resist
C. Queasy
The new Spiderman movie will be released soon.
Based on the context clues in this sentence, what does “released” mean?
A. To play the same movie again
B. To cost only a few dollars
C. To make available to the public
D. To set free from employment
C. To make available to the public
Alexia tried to open the door, but it was locked and she had the wrong key.
Which is a synonym for “tried”?
A. Demonstrated
B. Practiced
C. Attempted
D. Descended
C. Attempted
What does it mean to put forth a “Herculean Effort”?
A. to be lazy
B. It means to complete a difficult task.
B. It means to complete a difficult task.
Hercules was given 12 very difficult labors, which he was able to complete.
What word means “possessing or showing courage or determination”?
A. Shallow
B. Awkward
C. Capable
D. Valiant
D. Valiant
Annette became frantic when the phone rang. She thought it was her brother, and she became afraid. She knew he was angry at her.
What word is the BEST context clue to define the word, “frantic”?
A. Phone
B. Thought
C. Afraid
D. Knew
C. Afraid
Which word is an antonym for “mock”?
A. Tease
B. Praise
C. Scold
D. Invite
B. Praise
To “mock” means to tease or laugh at in a mean manner, so the opposite would be to “praise”.
What is an “Adonis”?
A lazy fellow
B. A handsome man
C. A pretty princess
D. An intelligent woman
An “Adonis” is a handsome young man.
Adonis was a handsome young man whom Aphrodite fell in love with.