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 Anna 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

He knew his future was precarious and likely to fall apart.  

Using context clues, what does precarious mean?

likely to fall apart

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

Are you sure we packed enough provisions, or supplies for this trip? 

 Using context clues what does provisions mean?

supplies

500

Lou was sent to the haberdashery to find a new suit. He needed to wear one for his uncle’s wedding.  

Using context clues, what does haberdashery mean?

a place where clothes for men are sold

Synonym

100

The private files were marked 'confidential.'  

Using context clues, what does confidential mean?

private

200

Lisa 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

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

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

Inference

100

Because the author was so modest, she didn't make a big deal about her book being published.

Using context clues, what does modest mean?

shy, not liking to brag

200

Mary left her umbrella at her friend's house so she got drenched during the rain storm on her way home. 

Using context clues, what does drenched mean?

soaked, very wet

300

The consequence of the rain was that the soccer game was cancelled.

Using context clues, consequence means...

result, effect, outcome

400

The effects of the tornado where catastrophic, and the town took a long time to rebuild.

Using context clues, catastrophic means...

causing great damage

500

With a few alterations I was able to make the old witch costume into a scary vampire costume.

Using context clues, what does alterations mean?

changes, fixes