Multiple meaning words
Vocabulary
Inference
Multiple Meaning Words
Vocabulary
Inference
100

I wore a watch on my wrist. I like to watch TV.
Question: What are the two meanings of watch?

Answer: A timepiece / to look at something.

100

brief 

"The principal's speech was brief, lasting only two minutes before students went back to class."

What does brief mean?


Answer: Short

100

Sarah walked into class holding a dripping umbrella and shaking water off her shoes

It was raining. 

100

The baby cried tears. Be careful not to tear your paper.

What are the two meanings of tear?

Answer: Water from your eyes / to rip.

100

cautious

"The teacher gave Mia a look before the science experiment because she was holding the chemicals too close together. She wanted her to be cautious"


to be careful

100

Ben walked outside wearing sunglasses, carrying sunscreen, and holding a beach towel.

Question: What can you infer?

He is going somewhere sunny, likely the beach or pool.

200

The dog barked at the tree. The tree had rough bark.
Question: What are the two meanings of bark?

A dog's sound / the outside covering of a tree.

200

worthwhile 

"Although the movie started slowly, the exciting ending made it worthwhile."
What does worthwhile mean?

Answer: Worth the time or effort

200

Emma put frosting on a cake, got balloons, and wrapped presents before her friend arrived to her house. 

Why is Emma doing this?

It's her friends birthday

200

The duck has a bill. The restaurant gave us a bill.

 What are the two meanings of bill?
.

Answer: A bird's beak / a statement of money owed

200

aspire 

" Many students aspire to attend college and have successful careers."


to want or hope for something 

200

Tyler walked into school carrying a large poster board and glue sticks.
Question: What is Tyler doing today?

Answer: Presenting a project.

300

Please light the candle. This backpack feels light.

 What are the two meanings of light?

Answer: Brightness/fire / not heavy.

300

awry 

"Our class project went awry when the computer suddenly stopped working."

What does awry mean?

Not going as planned.

300

It is past 11pm, Jaden yawned repeatedly, rubbed his eyes, and accidentally put his homework in the refrigerator instead of his backpack. 

How does Jaden feel?

Jaden is tired. 

300

Please wave at your friend. Large waves crashed on the shore.

What are the two meanings of wave?

Answer: Move your hand / moving water.

300

reluctant 

"Jake felt reluctant to volunteer for the talent show because he was nervous about performing in front of everyone."
What does reluctant mean?


Answer: Unwilling or hesitant

300

The lights suddenly went out, people pulled out flashlights, and someone said, “I hope the power comes back soon.”
Question: What happened?

Answer: The power went out.

400

I need to park by the bank. I deposited money in the bank.
Question: What are the two meanings of bank?

Side of a river or land edge / a place where money is kept.

400

abrupt 

"The movie ended abruptly."

What does abrupt mean?

To end suddenly or unexpectedly

400

Mia looked at her phone, smiled, and immediately started typing a reply.
Question: What can you infer?

Answer: She likely received good or exciting news.

400

The football player made a pass down the field. We needed a hall pass to leave class.
Question: What are the two meanings of pass?


To throw or move something/permission to go somewhere.

400

anonymous

"An anonymous student left a kind note on the teacher’s desk." 

Answer: You don't know the person

400

Jordan walked into the room with his shoulders down, avoided eye contact, and quietly sat by himself after getting his test back.
Question: How does he feel?


Answer: He may be upset, disappointed, or unhappy with his test grade.

500

The crane lifted steel beams. We saw a crane standing in the marsh.

Construction machine / a bird.

500

amiss 

"Jacob knew something was amiss when he couldn't find his books in his locker." 

What does amiss mean?

when something is wrong or out of place.

500

Kayla entered the classroom carrying tissues, coughing quietly, and moving slowly. She put her head down on her desk instead of talking to friends.

What can you infer? 

Kayla is sick

500

The students will present their projects tomorrow. I opened my birthday present.
Question: What are the two meanings of present?

Answer: To show or give information / a gift.

500

peculiar 

"The detective noticed a peculiar sound coming from the empty room and decided to investigate."

What does peculiar mean?


Answer: Strange or unusual

500

Lily walked into the kitchen and saw crumbs on the counter, an open cookie package, and chocolate on her brother's face. Her brother quickly said, "I didn't know what happened."

Who ate the cookies?

Lily's brother