What should you look for when trying to figure out the meaning of a word?
examples and definitions
synonyms/antonyms
words you know and pictures
all of the above
What are context clues?
Context clues are words or groups of word that give hints or clues about the meaning of an unknown word.
Ricardo is quite versatile. He is a good athlete, a top student, and a gourmet chef. What does the word versatile mean?
boring
happy
having no skills
having many different skills
After seeing the picture of the starving children, we felt COMPASSION or pity for their suffering. What does compassion mean? How do you know?
In this sentence the word "pity" tells us that compassion means to have understanding for.
What is a synonym for the word? What clues in the sentence helped you figure out the words meaning?
Synonyms: sparkled, shined Clues: sparked, sunshine
What is a synonym for the word? What clues in the sentence helped you figure out the words meaning?
Synonyms: imitate, mock Clues: under my breath, disrespectful
What is a synonym for the word? What clues in the sentence helped you figure out the words meaning?
Synonym: grow stronger, do very well Clues: new school, rated the best
Eman was suspicious when the clown handed her a box. But her GULLIBLE little sister opened it anyway. What does the word gullible mean?
doomed
trusting
careful
sad
Mr. Wyatt was very proud of his auto superstore. "We have such an EXTENSIVE selection of cars," he said, "so everyone should find a vehicle that he or she will love!" What does EXTENSIVE mean?
large amount
having no color
costing lots of money
not enough
What does the capitalized word mean?: They COMPOSED a letter to the governor, asking for more soldiers in the fort.
bought
wrote
sang
wanted
What is a synonym for the word? What clues in the sentence helped you figure out the words meaning?
Synonym: thrilled, excited Clues: amusement park, best ride ever
What is a synonym for the word? What clues in the sentence helped you figure out the words meaning?
Synonyms: apparent, evident, easily understood Clues: only one in bathroom
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Synonyms: scary, frightening Clues: complete darkness, howling wind
What is a synonym for the word? What clues in the sentence helped you figure out the words meaning?
Synonyms: kept in good condition, prevented from being ruined Clues: safe place, doesn't break
My dog is so timid. He is like a little mouse that hides when he gets scared. What does the word timid mean?
happy
energetic
fearful
The news story was based on a letter that was a FABRICATION. Now the reporter who wrote the story is in big trouble. Will anyone believe him again? What does FABRICATION mean?
fake
full of long words
made of cloth
funny
What does the capitalized word mean?: A BANQUET of roasted meat was served after the duke's marriage.
fire
yummy
dinner
fork
Give an example of an antonym for cold.
hot
Miss Braun ADMONISHED her students and they knew they were in hot water for their actions. What does admonished mean? How do you know?
In the this sentence the words "in hot water" tells us that admonished means cautioned or scolded.
What is a synonym for the word? What clues in the sentence helped you figure out the words meaning?
Synonyms: unlikely, probably won't happen Clues: although possible, never lost
Instead of a grimace, Violet had a big smile across her face. What does the word grimace mean?
hat
frown
mask
grin
Give an example of a synonym for angry.
mad, etc.
Stealing is an infraction, or the act of breaking the law. What does the word infraction mean?
The act of breaking the law
Detention
A ticket
What is a synonym for the word? What clues in the sentence helped you figure out the words meaning?
Synonyms: extremely old Clues: old vase, time of dinosaurs
What is a synonym for the word? What clues in the sentence helped you figure out the words meaning?
Synonyms: many choices Clues: usually few flavors, now many
Give an antonym for old.
new, young
What does the capitalized word mean?: The TRAGIC ending to the story made the woman cry.
dumb
long
impossible
sad
What is a synonym for the word? What clues in the sentence helped you figure out the words meaning?
Synonyms: old, creaky, worn Clues: old house, fall over
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Synonyms: tightened Clues: stormed out of room, sister's fault
A volunteer firefighter works for no pay. What does the word volunteer mean?
A firefighter
Someone who works for no pay
Someone who is paid
What is a synonym for the word? What clues in the sentence helped you figure out the words meaning?
Synonym: cover-up, hide Clues: don't want her mom to know
"Can you locate the state of Ohio?" Miss Braun asked pointing to the map. The word locate means..,
find
destory
understand
Give an example of an antonym of fast.
slow
What does the capitalized word mean?: The pioneers who had ENDURED the long winter welcomed the warm spring.
closed
survived
wanted
missed
What is a synonym for the word? What clues in the sentence helped you figure out the words meaning?
Synonyms: exactly Clues: only reason to finish, busy night
Give an example of a synonym for smart.
intelligent, etc
What is a synonym for the word? What clues in the sentence helped you figure out the words meaning?
Synonyms: not entirely honest, tricking Clues: tricked in the past
What does the capitalized word mean?: The salesman lowered the price on the car, which made it a bargin.
colorful car
good price
expensive deal
car for kids