Using Context Clues
What is the meaning of the word in italics?
The manager was obstinate, or very stubborn, about changing the company policy"
very stubborn (definition)
In a dictionary entry, the abbreviation 'adj.' tells you that the word is which part of speech?
adjective
This prefix means 'not' or 'opposite of,' as seen in words like 'unhappy' or 'unusual.'
un-
The Greek root 'tele-' is found in words like 'television' and 'telescope.' What does this root mean?
far or distant
This word can mean the outer covering of a tree or the loud sound a dog makes.
bark
What is the meaning of the word in italics?
Unlike his timid brother, Jake was bold and always tried new things.
shy, not bold (antonym)
Read this dictionary entry:
bark: (noun)1.The tough outer covering of a tree. 2. The sharp, loud cry of a dog. (verb) 3.To make a short, loud sound. 4.To speak in a loud, snappy way.
Which definition best fits the word 'bark' in this sentence: 'The sergeant began to bark orders at the new recruits.'?
definition 4
When you add this suffix to a verb like 'teach' or 'run,' it changes the word into a noun meaning 'one who does' that action.
-er/-or
The Latin root 'aud-' appears in words like 'audience' and 'auditorium.' What action does this root relate to?
hearing
This word can mean a piece of equipment used to hit a baseball, or a nocturnal flying mammal.
bat
What is the meaning of the word in italics?
She loves celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars.
having to the sky or space - sun, moon, stars (example)
Which of these words would appear first in a dictionary: 'gather' or 'gaze'?
gather
In the word 'disagreement,' this is the prefix that indicates the action is 'not' or 'away' from the original state.
dis-
If the Latin root 'struct' means 'to build,' what would you call a "person who builds knowledge or understanding"?
instructor
This word can mean a person who leads a country, or a tool used to measure inches and centimeters.
ruler
What is the meaning of the word in italics?
The elated girl shouted with joy when she won the competition.
happy, excited, joyful (synonym)
Why does a dictionary use dots or spaces in the main entry word, like this: e·nu·mer·ate?
to show syllables
If the suffix '-ful' means 'full of,' this word describes someone who is full of the desire to help others.
helpful
The Latin root 'ped-' means 'foot.' What would be the word that refers to a person traveling by foot?
pedestrian
This word can describe something that is 'not heavy' or a 'source of illumination' like a lamp.
light
What is the meaning of the word in italics?
The acrid fumes from the cleaning product made everyone in the room cough.
unpleasant, irritating (inference)
Read this entry: current (adj) 1. Belonging to the present time. (noun) 2. A body of water or air moving in a definite direction. 3. A flow of electricity.
Which definition fits this sentence: 'The swimmer struggled against the strong current.'?
definition 2
This prefix means 'before,' and it is found in words like 'preheat' or 'pretest.'
pre-
The Latin root 'scrib' or 'script' is found in words like 'describe,' 'manuscript,' and 'scribe.' What does this root mean?
to write
Which word means 'a storage area at the back of a car' and 'the long nose of an elephant'?
trunk