Context Clues and Figurative Language

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

Figurative Language Definition

100

This type of figurative language compares two things using "like" or "as."

simile

200

The repetition of the same consonant sounds in the beginning.

alliteration

300

This type of figurative language means giving human qualities to non-human or non-living things.

personification

400

Identify the figurative language: The bee buzzed around my head.

What is onomatopoeia?

500

Identify the figurative language: "Costs an arm and a leg."

What's an idiom?

Figurative Language Example

100

Name the figurative language: The stars danced in the night.

What is personification?

200

Identify the example: The slithering snake stalked the small children.

Alliteration

300

Name the figurative language: He was as fast as a cheetah.

Simile

400

Name the figurative language: Bless your heart.

idiom

500

Name the figurative language: He was a hurricane when he entered the room.

What is a metaphor?

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