Study

8th Grade Vocabulary Context Clues

  •   0%
  •  0     0     0

  • The town built a statue to commemorate (com-mem-o-rate) the hero who saved the library. They wanted to show respect and recall his brave actions every year. What is the meaning of the word commemorate?
    To tear down a building
    To write a mean letter
    To recall and show respect for someone
    To forget about the past
  • During the holidays, there is often a glut (glut) of toys in the stores, with every shelf overflowing. This excessive supply makes it hard for parents to choose just one gift. What is the meaning of the word glut?
    An excessively abundant supply
    A shortage or lack
    A secret
    A type of expensive jewelry
  • The golden retriever has a friendly disposition (dis-po-si-tion), always wagging its tail at everyone it meets. This kind personality makes it a great family pet. What is the meaning of the word disposition?
    A type of physical injury
    A person's inherent qualities of mind or character
    A formal written law
    A secret plan
  • The government decided to place an embargo (em-bar-go) on the neighboring country, refusing to trade any electronics until the conflict was resolved. This official ban meant no ships could leave. What is the meaning of the word embargo?
    An official ban on trade
    A celebration of business
    A secret agreement
    A type of cargo ship
  • The surprise party went awry (a-wry) when the birthday girl walked in while everyone was still blowing up the balloons. The plan went away from the expected course and the surprise was ruined. What is the meaning of the word awry?
    Away from the appropriate or planned course
    Quiet and peaceful
    Very exciting and fun
    Exactly as it was supposed to happen
  • The young artist had a flair (flair) for using bright colors to make her paintings stand out. This natural talent for design was something she had even when she was a little girl. What is the meaning of the word flair?
    A type of paintbrush
    A natural aptitude or ability
    A bad habit
    A lack of talent
  • The prisoner was placed in a heavy iron shackle (shack-le) to prevent him from escaping from the cell. The metal chain around his ankles made it impossible for him to run. What is the meaning of the word shackle?
    A metal fastening for a prisoner's ankles
    Fancy jewelry
    A comfortable bed
    A secret key
  • The library decided to augment (aug-ment) its collection by adding five hundred new books and three new computers. This addition helped the library provide even more resources to the community. What is the meaning of the word augment?
    To shrink or reduce in size
    To keep everything the same
    To make something greater by adding to it
    To throw away old items
  • The student's kind actions and hard work exemplify (ex-em-pli-fy) what it means to be a leader in our school. He is a perfect example of how one person can make a positive difference. What is the meaning of the word exemplify?
    To be a typical example of
    To stay hidden
    To be the opposite
    To ignore the rules
  • The student was indifferent (in-dif-fer-ent) about which movie the class chose to watch. He didn't care one way or the other because he wasn't interested in films anyway. What is the meaning of the word indifferent?
    Angry and upset
    Careful
    Having no particular interest or sympathy
    Excited and eager
  • The teacher decided to allot (al-lot) twenty minutes for the quiz to ensure everyone had enough time to finish. She carefully assigned a portion of the class period to each task on the agenda. What is the meaning of the word allot?
    To assign or distribute a portion of something
    To work on something forever
    To forget about a task
    To take away or steal
  • The coach went on a long tirade (ti-rade) after the team lost the game due to several mistakes. His angry speech of criticism lasted for twenty minutes and was very loud. What is the meaning of the word tirade?
    A happy song
    A long, angry speech of criticism
    A quiet conversation
    A secret plan
  • The city was not prepared for the onslaught (on-slaught) of snow that buried the streets in hours. This fierce and destructive attack of winter weather trapped people for days. What is the meaning of the word onslaught?
    A gentle breeze
    A celebration
    A hot day
    A fierce or destructive attack
  • Looking up at the night sky, it can feel like the universe is infinite (in-fi-nite), stretching on forever. It is hard to imagine a space that has no end in any direction. What is the meaning of the word infinite?
    Small and limited
    Ending soon
    Colorful
    Limitless or endless in space
  • The candidate's opponents tried to vilify (vil-i-fy) him by spreading false rumors about his past. They hoped that speaking about him in an abusive way would keep him from winning. What is the meaning of the word vilify?
    To help a friend
    To ignore
    To speak or write about in an abusive manner
    To praise
  • After working double shifts at the hospital, the nurse looked haggard (hag-gard). Her exhausted appearance and pale face showed just how much the long hours had tired her. What is the meaning of the word haggard?
    Wealthy and successful
    Looking exhausted and unwell
    Energetic and full of life
    Brightly dressed
  • Many people deplore (de-plore) the use of violence to solve problems, believing that peaceful talk is always better. They express strong disapproval whenever they see people fighting. What is the meaning of the word deplore?
    To find something funny
    To feel or express strong disapproval of
    To love and support something
    To ignore a problem
  • The two neighbors would often wrangle (wran-gle) over whose turn it was to rake the leaves in the alley. These long and complicated disputes usually ended with frustration. What is the meaning of the word wrangle?
    To have a long and complicated dispute or argument
    To agree
    To walk away
    To give a gift
  • The heavy rain did not deter (de-ter) the runners from finishing the race. Even though they were cold and wet, the weather could not discourage them from reaching the finish line. What is the meaning of the word deter?
    To help someone finish
    To discourage someone from doing something
    To watch from the side
    To encourage someone to start
  • The young girl felt a sense of trepidation (trep-i-da-tion) as she walked toward the stage for her recital. Her feeling of fear and agitation made her hands shake as she played. What is the meaning of the word trepidation?
    Boredom
    A feeling of fear or agitation
    Extreme hunger
    Great excitement
  • The brave pioneer (pi-o-neer) was the first person to build a home in the wild territory. He led the way for other families to follow and eventually build a town. What is the meaning of the word pioneer?
    A person who arrives last
    A person who lives in a city
    A person who is among the first to explore an area
    A person who hates nature
  • The professional athlete signed a lucrative (lu-cra-tive) contract that would pay him millions of dollars. This profitable deal meant he would never have to worry about money. What is the meaning of the word lucrative?
    Producing a great deal of profit
    Difficult and tiring
    Losing money
    Done for free
  • The family traveled to Italy to explore their heritage (her-i-tage) and see where their ancestors were born. They wanted to learn the traditions passed down through generations. What is the meaning of the word heritage?
    Traditions passed down from ancestors
    A type of modern technology
    A plan for a business
    A secret
  • The science teacher used an analogy (*****-o-gy), comparing the human heart to a pump that moves water through a house. This comparison helped the students understand how the heart works. What is the meaning of the word analogy?
    A type of medical tool
    A long and boring story
    A difficult math problem
    A comparison between two things for explanation
  • The yard sale was a bonanza (bo-nan-za) for the collector, who found rare coins for only a few dollars. It was a sudden increase in luck that made him very happy. What is the meaning of the word bonanza?
    A waste of time
    A sudden increase in luck or wealth
    A type of heavy storm
    A very sad event
  • The knights began to assail (as-sail) the castle walls with heavy stones and battering rams. They planned to attack the fortress violently until the doors finally gave way. What is the meaning of the word assail?
    To build or repair
    To walk away from
    To offer help
    To attack violently
  • In that part of the state, people speak a dialect (di-a-lect) that uses different words for common items. This local form of language makes the region unique to those who live there. What is the meaning of the word dialect?
    A foreign language no one speaks
    A secret code
    A particular form of a language
    A type of formal writing
  • The explorers were finally ready to embark (em-bark) on their journey across the ocean. They loaded their ships with supplies, knowing the trip would take many months. What is the meaning of the word embark?
    To finish a task
    To stay at home and rest
    To lose your way
    To begin a journey or course of action
  • The reporters decided to dub (dub) the fast runner 'The Rocket' after he won his fifth race in a row. This nickname became more famous than his actual name. What is the meaning of the word dub?
    To erase a name
    To keep a secret
    To give an unofficial name or nickname to
    To write a long book
  • The hawk began to hover (hov-er) high above the field, staying in one place in the air as it searched for mice. Its wings moved just enough to keep it steady. What is the meaning of the word hover?
    To hide behind a tree
    To fly fast in a line
    To crash into the ground
    To remain poised in one place in the air
  • After weeks of being lost in the mountains with very little food, the hiker looked gaunt (gaunt). He was so thin and haggard that his friends barely recognized him. What is the meaning of the word gaunt?
    Happy and healthy
    Strong and muscular
    Lean and haggard from hunger or age
    Energetic
  • The pungent (pun-gent) smell of onions filled the kitchen as soon as the chef started chopping. The sharp, strong odor was so powerful that it made our eyes water. What is the meaning of the word pungent?
    Having a sharply strong taste or smell
    Sweet
    Having no smell
    Soft
  • The king expected his servants to be servile (ser-vile), always bowing and following his every command. He wanted them to show an excessive willingness to please him at all times. What is the meaning of the word servile?
    Angry
    Stubborn
    Independent
    Having an excessive willingness to please
  • The agile (ag-ile) gymnast flipped across the narrow beam with such grace that she never even wobbled. Her ability to move quickly and easily earned her a perfect score from the judges. What is the meaning of the word agile?
    Heavy and slow-moving
    Feeling tired and sleepy
    Able to move quickly and easily
    Very loud and distracting
  • The palace was filled with ornate (or-nate) decorations, including gold statues and velvet curtains. Every room was covered in complex patterns that showed the king's wealth. What is the meaning of the word ornate?
    Simple
    Small
    Made in an intricate or complex pattern
    Broken
  • The newborn foal was ungainly (un-gain-ly) as it tried to stand up on its long, wobbly legs. Its awkward movements made it stumble several times before finding its balance. What is the meaning of the word ungainly?
    Strong
    Graceful
    Awkward or clumsy
    Very quiet
  • It was difficult to discern (dis-cern) the shape of the boat through the thick, gray fog on the lake. We had to squint to recognize the small light moving in the distance. What is the meaning of the word discern?
    To lose sight of
    To move toward a sound
    To ignore or overlook
    To perceive or recognize something
  • The king decided to renounce (re-nounce) his throne so that he could live a quiet life in the country. By formally giving up his claim, he allowed his daughter to become queen. What is the meaning of the word renounce?
    To formally declare abandonment of a claim
    To fight for power
    To hide
    To keep a secret
  • As he watched his old dog struggle to walk, he felt a sharp pang (pang) of sadness in his chest. This sudden, painful emotion made him realize how much he missed his pet. What is the meaning of the word pang?
    Boredom
    A feeling of joy
    A physical injury
    A sudden sharp pain or painful emotion
  • In the middle of the night, he had to grope (grope) along the hallway wall to find the bathroom door. Since it was pitch black, he had to feel his way with his hands. What is the meaning of the word grope?
    To run very fast
    To feel about uncertainly with the hands
    To see perfectly in the dark
    To shout for help
  • The new students received a warm reception (re-cep-tion) from the principal on their first day. This kind and welcoming greeting helped them feel less nervous about the school. What is the meaning of the word reception?
    A cold look
    A secret meeting
    A wedding party
    The action of admitting or welcoming someone
  • It is a fallacy (fal-la-cy) to believe that you can become a professional athlete without ever practicing. This mistaken belief leads to disappointment when people realize how much work is needed. What is the meaning of the word fallacy?
    A shared secret
    A proven fact
    A mistaken belief
    A type of equipment
  • The doctor was quick to attribute (at-tri-bute) the patient's fast recovery to his healthy diet and daily exercise. She believed these good habits were the direct cause of his improvement. What is the meaning of the word attribute?
    To complain about a situation
    To ignore the reason for something
    To fail at a goal
    To regard as being caused by something
  • An avid (a-vid) reader, Leo finished three thick novels in a single weekend. His keen interest and enthusiasm for books mean he is always carrying something to read. What is the meaning of the word avid?
    Reading very slowly
    Feeling bored by stories
    Having a keen interest or enthusiasm
    Disliking books and reading
  • Parents try to instill (in-still) good manners in their children by teaching them to say please and thank you. They hope to firmly establish these habits while they are young. What is the meaning of the word instill?
    To move quickly
    To forget a rule
    To take away hope
    To gradually but firmly establish an idea
  • It is crucial (cru-cial) that you remember your keys, or you will be locked out of the house. Having them with you is extremely important and necessary for getting inside. What is the meaning of the word crucial?
    Very funny
    Optional and not needed
    Boring and ordinary
    Extremely important or necessary
  • The eccentric (ec-cen-tric) inventor wore a hat made of spoons and lived in a house shaped like a giant shoe. His strange and unconventional habits made him famous in the small town. What is the meaning of the word eccentric?
    Very normal and ordinary
    Unconventional and slightly strange
    Mean and aggressive
    Extremely shy
  • The philosopher's words were so profound (pro-found) that they made everyone in the room stop and think. His intense insight into life was something the audience would never forget. What is the meaning of the word profound?
    Loud
    Common
    Having or showing great knowledge or insight
    Shallow
  • He is so adept (a-dept) at fixing computers that he can solve most technical problems in under five minutes. His friends always come to him for help because he is so skilled and proficient. What is the meaning of the word adept?
    Very skilled or proficient at something
    Slow and clumsy
    A person who is still learning
    Extremely confused by technology
  • After traveling to forty countries, the explorer was blasé (bla-sé) about seeing another famous landmark. He was unimpressed because he had experienced such things so often before. What is the meaning of the word blasé?
    Extremely excited
    Angry and upset
    Very confused
    Unimpressed due to over-experience
  • The group follows a strict doctrine (doc-trine) that has been taught to its members for over a hundred years. These shared beliefs are the foundation of their entire organization. What is the meaning of the word doctrine?
    A physical tool
    A belief or set of beliefs held by a group
    A type of science experiment
    A fictional story
  • The teacher read a short excerpt (ex-cerpt) from the novel to give the students an idea of the author's style. Even though it was only a few paragraphs, it made everyone want to read the book. What is the meaning of the word excerpt?
    A blank notebook
    The entire book
    A short extract from a piece of writing
    A formal letter
  • She was a conscientious (con-scien-tious) worker who always double-checked her reports for mistakes. Her desire to do her duty well and thoroughly made her a great employee. What is the meaning of the word conscientious?
    Always late
    Loud and distracting
    Lazy and careless
    Wishing to do one's work well and thoroughly
  • The baby's laughter was contagious (con-ta-gious), and soon the whole family was giggling too. The happy mood was likely to spread and affect everyone in the room. What is the meaning of the word contagious?
    Making people feel sad
    Quiet and easy to ignore
    Likely to spread to and affect others
    Very expensive
  • The toy was returned to the store because it had a defect (de-fect) that kept the wheels from spinning. The manufacturer fixed the imperfection and sent out a new batch. What is the meaning of the word defect?
    A shiny decoration
    A perfect design
    A very high price
    A shortcoming or imperfection
  • After the old building was torn down, all that remained was a massive pile of brick and stone rubble (rub-ble). The workers spent weeks hauling away the broken fragments. What is the meaning of the word rubble?
    A heavy machine
    Rough fragments of brick, stone, or concrete
    A garden
    A new house
  • From the top of the lighthouse, we could see a beautiful panorama (pan-o-ram-a) of the coastline. This unbroken view allowed us to see for miles in every direction. What is the meaning of the word panorama?
    An unbroken view of the whole region
    A camera
    A dark cave
    A very small window
  • The hikers began to swelter (swel-ter) as the temperature rose to over one hundred degrees in the desert. They were uncomfortably hot and had to drink all of their water. What is the meaning of the word swelter?
    To enjoy a cool breeze
    To feel very cold
    To swim
    To be uncomfortably hot
  • The student made every endeavor (en-deav-or) to finish the science project before the deadline, even staying up late. He knew his hard work and attempt would lead to a better grade. What is the meaning of the word endeavor?
    A quick and easy task
    A feeling of failure
    An attempt to achieve a goal
    A lazy attitude
  • After the earthquake, the city was in dire (dire) need of fresh water and medical supplies. The situation was extremely serious and required help from the government right away. What is the meaning of the word dire?
    Very happy and exciting
    Extremely serious or urgent
    Boring and ordinary
    Quiet and peaceful
  • The history book described the burning of the ancient library as an atrocity (a-troc-i-ty). It was an extremely wicked act because so much human knowledge was destroyed forever. What is the meaning of the word atrocity?
    A minor mistake
    A traditional dance
    A beautiful celebration
    An extremely wicked or cruel act
  • Rice is a staple (sta-ple) food in many cultures, served with almost every meal of the day. This important and main element of their diet is something people buy every week. What is the meaning of the word staple?
    A secret ingredient
    A main or important element of something
    A rare treat
    Something never used
  • After the storm passed, the floodwaters began to subside (sub-side) and the streets finally cleared. The intense weather became less severe, and people returned to their homes. What is the meaning of the word subside?
    To move quickly
    To grow larger
    To stay the same
    To become less intense, violent, or severe
  • The teacher had to chastise (chas-tise) the students for talking loudly during the fire drill. She reprimanded them severely to make sure they followed the safety rules. What is the meaning of the word chastise?
    To rebuke or reprimand severely
    To ignore bad behavior
    To praise and give a reward
    To teach a new game
  • The view from the top of the mountain was sublime (sub-lime), with clouds floating below the peaks. The excellence and beauty of the scene inspired great admiration in the hikers. What is the meaning of the word sublime?
    Boring
    Ugly
    Common
    Of such excellence or beauty as to inspire admiration
  • The police were finally able to apprehend (ap-pre-hend) the suspect after a long chase through the city streets. They were relieved to finally catch the person responsible for the crime. What is the meaning of the word apprehend?
    To let someone go free
    To teach someone a lesson
    To lose something valuable
    To catch or arrest someone
  • Only the elite (e-lite) athletes were invited to train at the Olympic center. This select group represents the very best runners who have proven they are at the top of their sport. What is the meaning of the word elite?
    A select group that is superior in ability
    Casual fans
    People who dislike sports
    A group of beginners
  • The young girl was a math prodigy (prod-i-gy), solving equations that even adults found difficult. Her exceptional talent at such a young age amazed all of her teachers. What is the meaning of the word prodigy?
    A beginner
    An athlete
    A young person with exceptional qualities
    A person who struggles to learn
  • The months of hard work will culminate (cul-mi-nate) in a final performance this Friday. All the practice has led to this highest point of development for the play. What is the meaning of the word culminate?
    To fail at a task
    To reach a climax or highest point
    To ignore the result
    To stop suddenly at the start
  • On hot summer afternoons, the teenagers like to loll (loll) around in the shade of the big oak tree. They enjoy being lazy and relaxed when it is too warm for sports. What is the meaning of the word loll?
    To run a race
    To jump
    To work hard
    To sit or lie in a lazy, relaxed way
  • The student's excuse for missing class seemed plausible (plau-si-ble), as there really was a snowstorm. Because his story was reasonable and likely true, the teacher was understanding. What is the meaning of the word plausible?
    Funny
    Seemingly reasonable or probable
    A complete lie
    Totally impossible
  • The judge had a stern mien (mien) that made everyone in the courtroom stay quiet. His serious look and formal manner showed that he took his job very seriously. What is the meaning of the word mien?
    A loud voice
    A formal robe
    A secret plan
    A person's look or manner
  • The politician took a firm stance (stance) against the new law, arguing it was unfair to small businesses. His position on the issue was clear to everyone who heard him. What is the meaning of the word stance?
    A fast way to walk
    An attitude or position on an issue
    A secret plan
    A heavy chair
  • When the detective walked into the room, he immediately noticed something was amiss (a-miss) because the safe was wide open. It was clear that something was out of place or not quite right. What is the meaning of the word amiss?
    Perfectly organized
    Not quite right or out of place
    Quiet and peaceful
    Very expensive
  • The detective had to ferret (fer-ret) out the truth by searching through old files and asking many questions. It took persistent work, but she finally found the answer. What is the meaning of the word ferret?
    To stop looking
    To hide a secret
    To write a story
    To search tenaciously and find something
  • The doctor told the patient the tumor was benign (be-nign) and would not cause any harm. It was a relief to know the growth was not dangerous or life-threatening. What is the meaning of the word benign?
    Very dangerous
    Bright and colorful
    Extremely painful
    Gentle and not harmful
  • The principal had to confiscate (con-fis-cate) the phone because the student was using it during a test. He took the property with authority and kept it in the office. What is the meaning of the word confiscate?
    To find something lost
    To buy something
    To give a gift
    To take property with authority
  • The students began a crusade (cru-sade) to get more healthy options in the school vending machines. Their vigorous campaign eventually led to a change in the school rules. What is the meaning of the word crusade?
    A vigorous campaign for change
    A type of formal dance
    A secret plan
    A small and quiet hobby
  • When the power went out and the traffic lights stopped working, the intersection turned into total anarchy (an-ar-chy). Without any authority or rules, cars were driving in every direction at once. What is the meaning of the word anarchy?
    A type of school project
    A perfectly organized system
    A state of disorder or lack of authority
    A very quiet and peaceful place
  • If the team does not show up on time, they will have to forfeit (for-feit) the match and let the other team win. This means they will lose their right to play as a consequence. What is the meaning of the word forfeit?
    To gain a reward
    To win a trophy
    To keep playing
    To lose a right as a consequence
  • The captain had to muster (mus-ter) all of his courage to lead his men into the dangerous battle. He called out to his crew to assemble so they could work together. What is the meaning of the word muster?
    To lose or give up
    To break a tool
    To hide
    To collect or assemble
  • The champion boxer was a formidable (for-mi-da-ble) opponent who had never lost a single match. His strength and skill inspired respect and a little bit of fear in his rivals. What is the meaning of the word formidable?
    Inspiring fear or respect through power
    Friendly and kind
    Small and unnoticed
    Weak and easy to defeat
  • The vandals were caught trying to deface (de-face) the side of the school building with spray paint. The janitor had to scrub the walls to fix the spoiled appearance of the bricks. What is the meaning of the word deface?
    To clean and polish
    To spoil the surface or appearance of something
    To take a photo
    To build a new wall
  • The flight was very turbulent (tur-bu-lent) as the plane flew through a series of dark storm clouds. The passengers felt the cabin shaking and jumping in the air. What is the meaning of the word turbulent?
    Sunny
    Slow
    Smooth
    Characterized by conflict or disorder
  • The fastidious (fas-tid-i-ous) cat spent over an hour grooming its fur until every hair was perfectly in place. This attention to detail meant that the cat always looked very clean. What is the meaning of the word fastidious?
    Fast and energetic
    Attentive to accuracy and detail
    Lazy and messy
    Loud and aggressive
  • The mystery of how the cookies disappeared from the locked jar remained an enigma (e-nig-ma) to the whole family. No one could explain how they were gone when the lid was sealed. What is the meaning of the word enigma?
    A well-known fact
    A very simple explanation
    Something that is mysterious or puzzling
    A type of dessert
  • The two wrestlers began to grapple (grap-ple) on the mat, each trying to use their strength to pin the other person down. It was a difficult struggle for both athletes. What is the meaning of the word grapple?
    To talk in a soft voice
    To sit quietly
    To engage in a close fight or struggle
    To run away
  • The famous actress wrote a memoir (mem-oir) about her childhood in a small town. She included personal stories about her life before she became a star. What is the meaning of the word memoir?
    A biography written from personal knowledge
    A fictional story
    A secret letter
    A textbook
  • The mechanic had a short stint (stint) working for the racing team before he opened his own shop. His fixed period of work only lasted for six months, but he learned a lot. What is the meaning of the word stint?
    A person's fixed or allotted period of work
    A secret mission
    A long and boring life
    A formal speech
  • The two best friends enjoyed lighthearted banter (ban-ter) during lunch, teasing each other about their favorite teams. This playful exchange of remarks always kept them laughing. What is the meaning of the word banter?
    A type of formal speech
    The playful exchange of teasing remarks
    A quiet secret
    A serious and angry argument
  • The story of King Arthur and his knights is legendary (leg-en-dar-y), having been told for hundreds of years. Most people have heard the tales of the sword in the stone. What is the meaning of the word legendary?
    Remarkable enough to be famous
    Unimportant
    Completely forgotten
    Boring and common
  • Over millions of years, animals evolve (e-volve) to better survive in their specific environments. These gradual changes help them find food more easily and stay safe from predators. What is the meaning of the word evolve?
    To stay exactly the same
    To disappear suddenly
    To grow large quickly
    To develop gradually from simple to complex
  • As a connoisseur (con-nois-sieur) of fine chocolate, Julian only buys the best bars from Switzerland. He is an expert judge when it comes to the taste of high-quality sweets. What is the meaning of the word connoisseur?
    A person who hates candy
    A person who sells groceries
    A beginner cook
    An expert judge in matters of taste
  • I am sure he will rue (rue) the day he decided to quit the team, as they are now going to the finals. He will bitterly regret his choice when he sees his friends winning. What is the meaning of the word rue?
    To forget a mistake
    To move
    To bitterly regret something one has done
    To celebrate a victory
  • The lace tablecloth featured an intricate (in-tri-cate) design of tiny flowers woven into the fabric. The pattern was so complicated that it must have taken hours of work. What is the meaning of the word intricate?
    Strong and heavy
    Broken and useless
    Simple and plain
    Very complicated or detailed
  • The balmy (bal-my) breeze blowing off the ocean made it the perfect afternoon to sit on the porch. The weather was pleasantly warm and mild, with no chill in the air at all. What is the meaning of the word balmy?
    Extremely hot
    Pleasantly warm and mild
    Very windy and stormy
    Freezing cold and icy
  • The gullible (gul-li-ble) boy believed his brother when he said that a family of trolls lived under the bridge. Because he was easily tricked, he was always falling for jokes. What is the meaning of the word gullible?
    Mean and unfriendly
    Easily persuaded to believe something
    Good at telling stories
    Smart and suspicious
  • The audience gave the singer a standing ovation (o-va-tion) after her final song. This enthusiastic and prolonged show of appreciation made the performer feel proud. What is the meaning of the word ovation?
    An angry boo
    A sustained and enthusiastic show of appreciation
    A formal dress
    A quiet exit
  • The spy had to decipher (de-ci-pher) the secret code in the message before the enemy could find out the plan. It took him hours to figure out the meaning of the scrambled letters. What is the meaning of the word decipher?
    To write a secret message
    To convert a code into normal language
    To burn a piece of paper
    To lose a letter
  • As the city grew, the new houses began to encroach (en-croach) on the local wetlands where the birds lived. The construction was intruding on a territory that was once natural and open. What is the meaning of the word encroach?
    To stay far away
    To protect the environment
    To intrude on a person's territory
    To build a fence
  • The city will inaugurate (in-au-gu-rate) the new community center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This event marks the formal beginning of the center's service to the town. What is the meaning of the word inaugurate?
    To ignore rules
    To begin or introduce a period or system
    To break a promise
    To close a business
  • A rainbow is a natural phenomenon (phe-nom-e-non) that occurs when sunlight hits water droplets. This observable fact is something people enjoy seeing after a storm. What is the meaning of the word phenomenon?
    A science book
    A common event
    A fact or situation that is observed to exist
    A man-made invention
  • The scientist tried to find a rational (ra-tion-al) explanation for the strange lights in the sky. He looked for logical clues and evidence rather than believing in myths. What is the meaning of the word rational?
    Based on a dream
    Based on or in accordance with reason or logic
    Boring
    Loud
  • The donor was very liberal (lib-er-al) with her money, giving millions to build a new wing for the hospital. Her generous contribution allowed the hospital to buy equipment. What is the meaning of the word liberal?
    Poor
    Stingy
    Mean
    Given or occurring in generous amounts
  • The ardent (ar-dent) fan waited in the rain for six hours just to get a glimpse of her favorite singer. Her enthusiastic and passionate support was clear to everyone in the crowd. What is the meaning of the word ardent?
    Very quiet and shy
    Bored and uninterested
    Angry and complaining
    Very enthusiastic or passionate
  • After trying to resist the plate of cookies for an hour, he finally decided to succumb (suc-cumb). He failed to resist the temptation and enjoyed every single bite. What is the meaning of the word succumb?
    To stay strong
    To hide a secret
    To forget about food
    To fail to resist pressure or temptation
  • The famous author used a pseudonym (pseu-do-nym) so she could go to the store without being recognized. By using a fictitious name, she kept her private life a secret. What is the meaning of the word pseudonym?
    A fictitious name, especially for an author
    A middle name
    A secret code
    A formal title
  • The irascible (i-ras-ci-ble) old man would yell at anyone who even stepped on his lawn. His tendency to get angry so easily made most people avoid his house. What is the meaning of the word irascible?
    Having a tendency to be easily angered
    Quiet
    Smart
    Friendly
  • The artist used dark colors to convey (con-vey) a sense of sadness in his painting. He wanted to communicate that specific feeling to everyone who looked at his work. What is the meaning of the word convey?
    To forget a detail
    To move very slowly
    To hide a secret
    To communicate or make an idea known
  • Young children are more susceptible (sus-cep-ti-ble) to catching a cold during the winter months. They are more likely to be harmed by germs if they do not wash their hands. What is the meaning of the word susceptible?
    Mean
    Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed
    Protected
    Strong
  • The engine would not start because one tiny component (com-po-nent) was cracked. Even though it was a small part, the whole machine could not work without it. What is the meaning of the word component?
    A part or element of a larger whole
    The entire machine
    A person who fixes things
    A type of fuel
  • The student was careful to cite (cite) her sources at the end of her paper to give credit to the authors. She made sure to quote the evidence she used for her argument. What is the meaning of the word cite?
    To make up a fake story
    To forget to write a name
    To quote as evidence for an argument
    To draw a picture
  • The architect wondered if it was feasible (fea-si-ble) to build a bridge made entirely of recycled plastic. He had to consider if it was actually possible and practical to complete. What is the meaning of the word feasible?
    Totally impossible
    Possible to do easily or conveniently
    Too expensive
    Boring and uncreative
  • The two neighboring kings decided to wage (wage) a war over the land that sat between them. They spent years carrying on this campaign, sending thousands of soldiers to battle. What is the meaning of the word wage?
    To write a treaty
    To hide
    To end a fight
    To carry on a battle or campaign
  • The king issued a formal decree (de-cree) stating that all citizens must pay a new tax to help build the stone bridge. This official order was read aloud in the town square. What is the meaning of the word decree?
    An official order issued by a legal authority
    A type of party
    A quiet suggestion
    A secret kept by the king
  • The invention of the steam engine marked a new epoch (ep-och) in human history, changing how people traveled forever. It was a period characterized by rapid growth and many new inventions. What is the meaning of the word epoch?
    A period of time marked by notable events
    A secret plan
    A type of mechanical tool
    A short moment
  • The teacher had to intervene (in-ter-vene) when the two friends started arguing over a pencil. She stepped in to help them find a way to share so they could finish their work. What is the meaning of the word intervene?
    To start an argument
    To walk away
    To come between to prevent a result
    To hide
  • The doctor warned that the symptoms might recur (re-cur) if the patient didn't finish all of his medicine. He explained that the illness could happen again without proper treatment. What is the meaning of the word recur?
    To occur again, periodically, or repeatedly
    To change
    To stop forever
    To move fast
  • The rain was sporadic (spo-rad-ic) throughout the day, with a few drops falling every now and then. Since the showers occurred at irregular intervals, the ground stayed mostly dry. What is the meaning of the word sporadic?
    Constant
    Predictable
    Happening every morning
    Occurring at irregular intervals
  • The small bird had to fend (fend) off the hungry squirrel that was trying to steal seeds from the feeder. By flapping its wings, the bird was able to defend itself and keep its food. What is the meaning of the word fend?
    To ward off an attack or defend oneself
    To invite someone in
    To share a snack
    To give up
  • Since the store refused to fix the broken computer, the customer's only recourse (re-course) was to call the manager. This source of help was her last chance to get a refund. What is the meaning of the word recourse?
    A heavy box
    A secret plan
    A source of help in a difficult situation
    A second chance
  • The inventive (in-ven-tive) student used old soda bottles to create a working model of a car. Her ability to think originally impressed all the judges at the science fair. What is the meaning of the word inventive?
    Having the ability to create new things
    Lazy
    Lacking ideas
    Quiet and shy
  • The general decided to deploy (de-ploy) the troops along the border to ensure the safety of the country. He moved the soldiers into position so they would be ready for action. What is the meaning of the word deploy?
    To hide in a bunker
    To quit a job
    To move troops into position for action
    To send everyone home
  • The village elder was a sage (sage) who was often consulted for his wisdom and experience. People traveled from far away just to hear his advice on how to solve problems. What is the meaning of the word sage?
    A profoundly wise man
    A person who dislikes people
    A fast runner
    A young and foolish boy
  • I don't like to eat broccoli and vice versa (vi-ce ver-sa), meaning that the vegetable probably doesn't like me either. This phrase shows the main items in a statement can work the other way. What is the meaning of the word vice versa?
    A secret code
    The same thing
    With the main items in a statement the other way
    A formal greeting
  • The two countries finally reached an accord (ac-cord), signing a treaty that ended the long border dispute. Both sides were relieved to finally have a formal agreement after years of fighting. What is the meaning of the word accord?
    A loud and angry argument
    A confusing set of instructions
    A formal agreement or treaty
    A type of musical instrument
  • The hikers tried to find a shortcut, but it did not avail (a-vail) them; they ended up right back where they started. Their efforts were of no use and did not help them reach their goal. What is the meaning of the word avail?
    To move very quickly
    To make a mistake
    To find a hidden treasure
    To be of use or benefit to
  • It was a bizarre (bi-zarre) sight to see a man walking a pet lobster on a leash through the park. The unusual scene made everyone stop and stare in confusion. What is the meaning of the word bizarre?
    Common and ordinary
    Beautiful and elegant
    Very strange or unusual
    Scary and mean
  • The transition (tran-si-tion) from elementary school to middle school can be a big change for students. This process of changing from one state to another involves new rules. What is the meaning of the word transition?
    A secret plan
    Staying the same
    The process of changing from one state to another
    A fast race
  • The store manager spent the night taking an inventory (in-ven-to-ry) of the stock to see what was sold out. He needed a complete list of items before the big sale. What is the meaning of the word inventory?
    A heavy box
    A complete list of items or goods
    A sale where things are free
    A buyer
  • The ultimate (ul-ti-mate) goal of the science club was to win the state competition at the end of the year. They knew this final achievement would be the result of hard work. What is the meaning of the word ultimate?
    The beginning
    Unimportant
    Very funny
    Being or happening at the end of a process
  • The Victorian era (er-a) was known for its formal social rules and elaborate styles of dress. People living during this distinct period of history followed traditions very different from today. What is the meaning of the word era?
    A fast-paced race
    A small mistake
    A type of musical instrument
    A distinct period of history
  • The hikers were clad (clad) in heavy wool coats and boots to stay warm in the snow. They were fully dressed for the freezing weather before they left the cabin. What is the meaning of the word clad?
    Walking very quickly
    Clothed or dressed
    Lost in the woods
    Feeling very cold
  • The puppy's playful antics (an-tics), like chasing his own tail and tripping over his ears, kept the family laughing all afternoon. Everyone enjoyed his silly and predictable behavior. What is the meaning of the word antics?
    Playful or silly behavior
    Serious and quiet study
    Mean and aggressive actions
    A type of formal dance
  • The ancient citadel (cit-a-del) sat high on the hill, serving as a fortress to protect the city. Its thick stone walls were designed to keep the inhabitants safe from attack. What is the meaning of the word citadel?
    A deep underground tunnel
    A type of floating boat
    A fortress that commands a city
    A small wooden shack
  • It was an eventful (e-vent-ful) day for the students; they had a surprise assembly, a field trip, and a pizza party. By the end of the day, everyone was exhausted from all the interesting things. What is the meaning of the word eventful?
    Very boring and quiet
    Sad and lonely
    Full of interesting or important events
    Quick and easy to finish
  • The officer explained he couldn't write a ticket because it was outside of his jurisdiction (ju-ris-dic-tion). He only had the legal power to make arrests within the city. What is the meaning of the word jurisdiction?
    A fast car
    A secret hideout
    The official power to make legal decisions
    A formal apology
  • The constant loud music from upstairs began to incense (in-cense) the writer who was trying to work. She became so angry that she finally had to knock on the ceiling. What is the meaning of the word incense?
    To make very angry
    To help someone sleep
    To make someone happy
    To give a gift
  • The crowd broke into spontaneous (spon-ta-ne-ous) applause when the performer finished his magic trick. The sudden impulse to cheer was shared by everyone in the audience. What is the meaning of the word spontaneous?
    Accidental
    Planned
    Occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse
    Boring
  • After the rain, the small pond began to teem (teem) with life, including tadpoles and water bugs. The water was full of swarming creatures moving in every direction. What is the meaning of the word teem?
    To be empty
    To be cold
    To disappear
    To be full of or swarming with
  • The coach tried to minimize (min-i-mize) the importance of the loss by focusing on the next game. He wanted to reduce the players' disappointment so they would stay motivated. What is the meaning of the word minimize?
    To reduce something to the smallest degree
    To ignore a rule
    To celebrate
    To make something look bigger
  • In the old days, a farmer might barter (bar-ter) a crate of eggs for a sack of flour. This allowed people to exchange goods without using any actual money. What is the meaning of the word barter?
    To give something away for free
    To exchange goods or services
    To steal from a shop
    To buy something with a credit card
  • The marathon runner was in excruciating (ex-cru-ci-at-ing) pain as she crossed the finish line with a severely cramped leg. The intense suffering was visible on her face. What is the meaning of the word excruciating?
    Boring and repetitive
    Slightly ticklish
    Very happy and relaxed
    Intensely painful
  • The student was able to articulate (ar-tic-u-late) her ideas so clearly that the entire class understood the complex project. She spoke effectively and made sure her message was easy to follow. What is the meaning of the word articulate?
    To speak or express oneself clearly
    To forget what one was saying
    To draw a beautiful picture
    To mumble or speak quietly
  • The teacher had to rebuke (re-buke) the student for his disrespectful behavior during the assembly. This sharp disapproval reminded the boy to follow the school's rules. What is the meaning of the word rebuke?
    To give a reward
    To invite to a party
    To give a high grade
    To express sharp disapproval or criticism
  • The doctor gave the patient a mild sedative (sed-a-tive) to help him relax and sleep before the surgery. The calming effect of the medicine helped him stay peaceful. What is the meaning of the word sedative?
    A loud alarm
    An energy drink
    A spicy food
    A drug taken for its calming effect
  • The farmer bought a large tract (tract) of land to plant more corn and soybeans next spring. This area of land was the perfect place to build a new and larger farm. What is the meaning of the word tract?
    A flower pot
    An area of indefinite extent, typically a large one
    A tractor
    A secret map
  • The abandoned town looked desolate (des-o-late), with empty streets and broken windows rattling in the wind. It was a bleak and lonely place where no one had lived for years. What is the meaning of the word desolate?
    Crowded and full of life
    Small and cozy
    Deserted and in a state of bleak emptiness
    Bright and cheerful
  • The wealthy tycoon (ty-****) owned a fleet of private jets, several hotels, and a basketball team. His power and money in the business world made him very famous. What is the meaning of the word tycoon?
    A beginner
    A secret agent
    A person with no money
    A wealthy, powerful person in business
  • The pirates began to plunder (plun-der) the merchant ship, taking all the gold and spices. They used force to steal everything of value before sailing away. What is the meaning of the word plunder?
    To give gifts
    To buy goods
    To steal goods from a place using force
    To help repair a ship
  • My grandfather is very conservative (con-ser-va-tive) and prefers traditional styles over new fashions. He is cautious about change and values the way things used to be. What is the meaning of the word conservative?
    Loud and aggressive
    Eager to try new inventions
    Poor and struggling
    Holding to traditional values
  • The two tech companies will vie (vie) for the top spot in the market by releasing new products. They are both eager to compete and prove that their item is the best for everyone. What is the meaning of the word vie?
    To hide
    To work together
    To compete eagerly with someone to achieve something
    To give up
  • The inventor came up with a brilliant concept (con-cept) for a flying car, but it took years to build. The abstract idea was the first step toward his final invention. What is the meaning of the word concept?
    A finished product
    A heavy metal tool
    An abstract idea or general notion
    A type of engine
  • The coach used a whiteboard to clarify (clar-i-fy) the play so everyone knew where to run. He wanted to make the situation less confused for the team. What is the meaning of the word clarify?
    To make things more confusing
    To hide the truth
    To make a statement less confused
    To end a game early
  • The king decided to fortify (for-ti-fy) the castle by building higher walls and adding more guards. He wanted to strengthen the defenses so that the city would be safe from attack. What is the meaning of the word fortify?
    To make something weaker
    To tear down a building
    To leave a city unprotected
    To strengthen a place with defenses
  • The new library software was designed to facilitate (fa-cil-i-tate) checking out books, making it much faster. The goal was to make the process easier so more people would use it. What is the meaning of the word facilitate?
    To make an action or process easy
    To forget a task
    To make things difficult
    To block a person
  • Running a marathon requires a lot of stamina (stam-i-na), as the athletes must move for hours. The ability to sustain this physical effort is what separates the winners. What is the meaning of the word stamina?
    The ability to run fast
    A healthy snack
    The ability to sustain physical or mental effort
    A fast heart rate
  • The architect had to modify (mod-i-fy) the plans after the owners decided they wanted a larger kitchen. These minor changes were easy to make before construction began. What is the meaning of the word modify?
    To destroy a building
    To make partial or minor changes to
    To build a city
    To keep everything the same
  • After years of practice, he became proficient (pro-fi-cient) at playing the piano and could join a band. His skill and competence allowed him to play difficult songs easily. What is the meaning of the word proficient?
    A beginner student
    Competent or skilled in doing something
    Uninterested
    Bad at a task
  • The young athlete hopes to surpass (sur-pass) the world record for the race this summer. She has been training every day to exceed the current fastest time and win. What is the meaning of the word surpass?
    To fall behind
    To exceed or be greater than
    To give up
    To stay at the same level
  • The school decided to institute (in-sti-tute) a new rule that requires all students to wear uniforms. They set this policy in motion to help create a more focused environment. What is the meaning of the word institute?
    To end a program
    To break a law
    To set in motion or establish
    To ignore a problem
  • The coach's pithy (pith-y) advice at halftime was simple: 'Play hard, win big.' His brief but meaningful words were exactly what the players needed to hear. What is the meaning of the word pithy?
    Very loud
    Long and boring
    Confusing
    Brief and full of meaning
  • The theme (theme) of the story was that honesty is always the best policy for everyone. This main idea was repeated throughout the book as the characters learned lessons. What is the meaning of the word theme?
    A secret code
    The main character
    A heavy book
    An idea that recurs in a work of art or literature
  • The squirrels hid a cache (cache) of acorns inside a hollow log to prepare for winter. They needed a hidden storage place to keep their food safe from other animals. What is the meaning of the word cache?
    A tool for digging
    A hidden storage place
    A type of winter bird
    A loud forest fire
  • The chef decided to add fresh herbs to the soup to enhance (en-hance) the flavor of the vegetables. He knew that a little bit of basil would improve the quality and taste of the dish. What is the meaning of the word enhance?
    To hide the ingredients
    To make something worse
    To intensify or improve the quality of
    To shrink a portion
  • Instead of using a conventional (con-ven-tion-al) oven, the campers cooked over an open fire. They stepped away from what is generally done and enjoyed the old-fashioned way. What is the meaning of the word conventional?
    Very strange and unusual
    Extremely expensive
    Based on what is generally done or believed
    Broken and not working
  • The public library was a haven (ha-ven) for students who wanted to escape the noise of the city. Inside the quiet building, they felt safe and could finally focus. What is the meaning of the word haven?
    A dangerous area
    A type of large boat
    A secret hidden underground
    A place of safety or refuge
  • The two friends had a different perspective (per-spec-tive) on the movie; one thought it was funny, while the other thought it was sad. Their different points of view were interesting. What is the meaning of the word perspective?
    A written report
    A particular attitude or way of regarding something
    A secret plan
    A camera lens
  • The dark clouds and the sudden drop in temperature gave the hikers a sense of foreboding (fore-bod-ing). They felt a strong sense that a dangerous storm was about to happen. What is the meaning of the word foreboding?
    A feeling that something bad will happen
    A happy memory
    A sense of great joy
    A feeling of boredom
  • The wealthy man looked at the old, rusty car with disdain (dis-dain), acting as if it were beneath him to even touch it. He clearly felt the vehicle was unworthy of his respect. What is the meaning of the word disdain?
    Great admiration
    Extreme happiness
    A sense of curiosity
    The feeling that something is unworthy of respect
  • She stepped gingerly (gin-ger-ly) across the icy sidewalk, making sure to place each foot carefully. Her cautious movements showed how much she wanted to avoid a fall. What is the meaning of the word gingerly?
    Loudly and clumsily
    In a careful or cautious manner
    Quickly and without looking
    Aggressively
  • The heavy snow was a major hindrance (hin-drance) to the morning commute, causing buses to run hours late. This obstruction made it nearly impossible to get to work on time. What is the meaning of the word hindrance?
    A gift
    A fast way to travel
    A thing that provides resistance or delay
    A helpful tool
  • The lake was so serene (se-rene) in the morning that the water looked like a perfect mirror. The calm and peaceful atmosphere was only interrupted by the sound of a bird. What is the meaning of the word serene?
    Loud and chaotic
    Calm, peaceful, and untroubled
    Very cold
    Dirty
  • The disgruntled (dis-grun-tled) customer complained to the manager because her food was cold and the waiter was rude. She was very dissatisfied with her experience at the restaurant. What is the meaning of the word disgruntled?
    Angry or dissatisfied
    Excited and full of energy
    Very happy and satisfied
    Tired and sleepy
  • During the party, the cat remained aloof (a-loof), sitting high on the bookshelf and watching the guests from a distance. He preferred to stay distant and cool rather than being petted by strangers. What is the meaning of the word aloof?
    Distant or cool toward others
    Hungry and looking for food
    Friendly and eager to play
    Very noisy and loud
  • The leather boots were incredibly durable (du-ra-ble) and lasted through five years of hiking through mud and rocks. They were so strong that they never developed a single hole. What is the meaning of the word durable?
    Able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage
    Very expensive and fancy
    Flimsy and easily broken
    Bright and colorful
  • The teacher tried to foster (fos-ter) a love of science by letting the students perform exciting experiments. She wanted to encourage the development of their curiosity. What is the meaning of the word foster?
    To discourage someone
    To forget about a goal
    To work alone
    To encourage or promote development
  • If you do not water the plants, they will begin to languish (lan-guish) and turn brown in the sun. Without proper care, they will grow weak and eventually die. What is the meaning of the word languish?
    To change color quickly
    To grow weak or feeble
    To grow strong
    To turn into a tree
  • The mercenary (mer-ce-nar-y) was willing to fight for any army that offered the most money. He was primarily concerned with his own profit rather than loyalty to a country. What is the meaning of the word mercenary?
    A gardener
    A person concerned with making money
    A person who works for free
    A person who hates money
  • The judge ordered the neighbors to desist (de-sist) from playing their music so loudly at night. He told them they must cease their behavior or face a large fine. What is the meaning of the word desist?
    To invite more people
    To start a new project
    To continue doing something
    To cease or abstain from doing something
  • The company's revenue (rev-e-nue) increased by twenty percent after they started selling online. This income allowed them to hire more workers and build a new factory. What is the meaning of the word revenue?
    A formal meeting
    The amount spent
    Income, especially of a company or organization
    A secret bank account
  • A sponge is porous (po-rous), which is why it is so good at soaking up water from the floor. The tiny holes allow liquid to pass through and stay trapped inside. What is the meaning of the word porous?
    Solid
    Having minute spaces or holes for liquid
    Heavy
    Shiny
  • The police officer had to dispatch (dis-patch) a backup unit to the scene of the accident. He sent the extra help off immediately to make sure everyone was safe. What is the meaning of the word dispatch?
    To slow down a process
    To keep something hidden
    To send off to a destination for a purpose
    To read a long book
  • Historians look back at the last millennium (mil-len-ni-um) to see how technology has changed in 1,000 years. They compare life in the year 1000 to life today. What is the meaning of the word millennium?
    A period of a thousand years
    A period of ten years
    A short time
    A calendar
  • The voracious (vo-ra-cious) shark swam through the fish, eating everything it could catch in its jaws. Its appetite was so great that it didn't stop until it was full. What is the meaning of the word voracious?
    Slow
    Wanting or devouring great quantities of food
    Not hungry
    Picky
  • The invention of the internet was a pivotal (piv-ot-al) moment in human history. This crucial event changed the way people live and share information forever. What is the meaning of the word pivotal?
    Unimportant
    Boring
    Of crucial importance in relation to development
    Very funny
  • The funny caption (cap-tion) under the photo of the grumpy cat made the whole class laugh. The brief explanation perfectly matched the cat's annoyed expression. What is the meaning of the word caption?
    A long and boring novel
    A secret message
    A title or brief explanation for an illustration
    A type of camera lens
  • The animal shelter is known for its humane (hu-mane) treatment of stray dogs, providing them with warm beds and food. They believe in showing compassion to all living things. What is the meaning of the word humane?
    Quick and efficient
    Expensive and fancy
    Having or showing compassion
    Cruel and mean-spirited
  • The unfair comment continued to rankle (ran-kle) in his mind, making him angry every time he thought about it. The resentment lasted for days after the argument. What is the meaning of the word rankle?
    To cause annoyance or resentment that persists
    To solve a mystery
    To make someone happy
    To forget a problem
  • The poet liked to sit by the river and muse (muse) about the meaning of life. He often spent hours in deep thought before he was ready to write a single line. What is the meaning of the word muse?
    To run a race
    To talk loudly
    To forget a memory
    To be absorbed in thought
  • The student became flustered (flus-tered) when he realized he had left his notes for the presentation at home. He looked agitated and confused as he tried to remember his speech. What is the meaning of the word flustered?
    Very happy
    Bored and sleepy
    Agitated or confused
    Calm and collected
  • The pet store had several exotic (ex-ot-ic) birds with bright feathers that came from the rainforests. Because they originated in a foreign country, they looked very different from local birds. What is the meaning of the word exotic?
    Scary and dangerous
    Common and local
    Originating in a distant foreign country
    Boring and plain