Context Clues

Definition

100

Candles, flashlights, and lamps illuminate, or light up, the room.

Using the example clue, the word illuminate in this sentence means

light up

200

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

Using context clues, what does boycott mean?

refuse to support

300

The company had to demolish, or 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 Anna is she's ambitious, or hard-working. 

Using context clues, what does ambitious mean?

hard-working

500

She walked gingerly or carefully across the old, rotten bridge. 

Using context clues, what does gingerly mean?

carefully

Example

100

Nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, help our bodies grow.

Using the example clue, the word nutritious in this sentence means?

a) yucky  b) boring  c) healthy

c) healthy

200

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

Using context clues, what is kindling?

dry twigs and sticks

300

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

Using context clues, what is precipitation?

different forms of water/weather

400

Fish, whales, and dolphins are aquatic animals.

Using the example clue, the word aquatic in this sentence means

a) land  b) desert  c) water

c) water

500

The emergency room doctors see patients with trauma, such as a broken bone, every night.

Using the example clue, the word trauma in this sentence means

a) injury  b) headaches  c) stomachache

a) injury

Synonym

100

The private files were marked "CONFIDENTIAL". 

Using context clues, what does confidential mean?

private

200

Lisa dislikes all types of seafood.  She detests tuna, salmon, crab, and shrimp.

Using context clues, what does detest mean?

dislikes, does not like, hates

300

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

Using context clues, what does essential mean?

necessary

400

The old man ambled slowly down the path while his dog strolled next to him.  

Using context clues, what does amble mean?

walked

500

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

I love chocolate cake, however I absolutely loathe vanilla icing.  

Using context clues what does loathe mean?

hate

300

Last night I had copious amounts of homework, but tonight I don’t have any!  

Using context clues, what does copious mean?

A lot

400

The Sahara Desert has scorching temperatures during the day; however, at night it can be quite chilly.  

Using context clues, what does scorching mean?

very hot

500

The weather outside was extremely hot, but the air conditioning inside made the room feel very frigid.  

Using context clues, what does frigid mean?

cold, chilly