CONTEXT CLUES

DEFINITION

100

The old house needed to be demolished, so we tore it down to make room for a new building.

Using context clues, what does demolished mean?

To destroy, knock down

200

If the lightbulb is too dim to illuminate the room, it should be replaced. 

Using context clues, what does illuminate mean?

light up, make visible or bright

300

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

Using context clues, what does boycott mean?

refuse to support, forbid

400

The best way to describe Anna is she is ambitious, she does whatever it takes to achieve her goals

Using context clues, what does ambitious mean?

Driven, determined to succeed

500

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

Using context clues, what does precarious mean?

not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse, dependent on chance/unsure

EXAMPLE

100

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?

water released from clouds

200

We packed granola bars and water as our provisions for our camping trip. 

Using context clues what does provisions mean?

Supplies of food, drink, or equipment, especially for a journey.

300

The blizzard was a calamity, as it left many people without water and power!

Using context clues, what does calamity mean?

an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster.

CONTRAST

100

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

Using context clues, what does ajar mean?

Slightly open

200

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

Using context clues what does loathe mean?

Disgust, intense dislike

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, much, many

400

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?

easy-going, not strict

COMPARE

100

The detective's private files were marked 'confidential.'

Using context clues, what does confidential mean?

Private, intended to be kept secret

200

Vegetables are essential to a healthy diet as they provide required nutrients.  

Using context clues, what does essential mean?

Absolutely necessary, extremely important

300

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

Using context clues, what does detest mean?

Extremely dislike, to hate

400

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

Using context clues, what does amble mean?

Walked, strolled

500

It was a mundane house, nothing about it made it stand out.  

Using context clues, what does mundane mean?

lacking interest or excitement; dull.