Definition
Context Clues
Synonym
Antonym
Experience/Inference
100

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

Using context clues, what does ILLUMINATE mean?

light up

100

I needed some extra assistance, such as one-on-one sessions with my teacher, to help me pass Math class. 

Using context clues, what does ASSISTANCE mean?

help

100

The private files were marked confidential, so not all employees had access to those records.

Using context clues, what does CONFIDENTIAL mean?

private

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

100

Which word most closely matches the underlined word in the sentence? Use the other words in the sentence for clues to the correct meaning.

The lost campers sweltered in the desert sun. 

A. ate     B. over-heated    C. slept      D. sunbathed

B. over-heated

200

As soon as we arrived, all of the vacationers besieged the travel office, which overwhelmed the hotel staff.

Using context clues, what does the word BESIEGED mean?

to crowd around; surround

200

My father's favorite salutation is "Howdy, friend!" 

Using context clues what does SALUTATION mean? 

Greeting

200

Nelson developed an affinity for nature growing up in the woods of northern Wisconsin. As an adult, he brought his love of the land to his political career.

Using context clues, what is the meaning of the word AFFINITY?

love; deep admiration

200

I love chocolate cake, but on the other hand, I absolutely loathe vanilla icing.

Using context clues what does LOATHE mean?

hate

200

Which word most closely matches the underlined word in the sentence? Use the other words in the sentence for clues to the correct meaning.

Congress put a tariff on overseas goods so the price would not be lower than domestic products.

A. stamp   B. prohibition    C. advertisement   D. tax

D. tax


300

The company had to decimate part of the building to make room for the new parking lot.

Using context clues, what does DECIMATE mean?

destroy

300

Objects like the sun are so luminous that it is difficult to look directly at them.

Using context clues, what does LUMINOUS mean?

bright, radiant

300

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

Using context clues, what does ESSENTIAL mean?

necessary

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

300

Which word most closely matches the underlined word in the sentence? Use the other words in the sentence for clues to the correct meaning.

The scared rock climber balanced precariously on the edge of the cliff. 

A. gracefully   B. lazily  C. dangerously   D. hopefully

C. dangerously

400

The best way to describe Anna is she is ambitious; she works very hard and is does her best to do well with ordinary tasks.

Using context clues, what does AMBITIOUS mean?

hard working and driven to succeed

400

I believe that it would be better if people were given incentives for them to work harder, for example, lowering taxes so that people can keep more of the money they earn. 

Using context clues, what does INCENTIVE mean?

motivation, a reason for doing something

400

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

Using context clues, what does AMBLE mean?

walked

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

400

Which word most closely matches the underlined word in the sentence? Use the other words in the sentence for clues to the correct meaning.

The mood was somber at the funeral of the former president.

A. silent   B. serious     C. bright     D. presidential

B. serious


500

He has somehow leapt to a higher plateau during the last few years—which was all the more amazing given his precarious health. 

Using context clues, what does PRECARIOUS mean?

likely to fall apart; unstable

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

500

The young girl was very aloof. Everyone thought that she was unapproachable because she appeared cold and distant from her peers.

Using context clues, what does ALOOF mean?

Unsociable, unapproachable

500

The school's old principal was lax with the rules, unlike the new principal who enforces them all.

Using context clues, what does LAX mean?

lenient, slack 

500

Which word most closely matches the underlined word in the sentence? Use the other words in the sentence for clues to the correct meaning.

The country cottage was just outside the quaint and picturesque town.

A. rustic     B. small    C. painted    D. charming

D. charming