Context Clues
Context Clues: Use the words in the passage to hunt for clues as to the meaning
of the unknown word.
Example: After writing a very detailed letter to his grandmother in Germany,
Timmy also included a postscript ( PS) at the end to tell his grandmother that he
hoped to hear from her soon.
Postscript means: to write after/ at the end
Example: Margaret ( herd, heard) the sound of the buffalo in the distance.
Answer: heard
4 Types of Context Clues:
 Examples
 Synonyms & Definitions
 Antonyms & Definitions
 Experience or Sense of the Sentence
Name__________________
Homework #1
Due Date:______________
Context Clues
1. The Amish are very humble people, unlike the 2. The game started out tedious, but it got
uppity people in the surrounding communities.
exciting in the end when it was tied with three
runners on base.
Using the contrast clue, the word uppity in this
sentence means
Using the contrast clue, the word tedious in this
sentence means
spiteful
reformed
awful
stuck-up
slow
relieved
fun
boring
3. The voters were so upset about the outcome of 4. Ian's favorite avocation was to play the violin. It
the election that a skirmish broke out and the
was his first source of amusement whenever he
police had to break it up.
had some free time.
Using the explanation clue, the word skirmish
in this sentence means
Using the comparison clue, the word avocation
in this sentence means
creature
trade
hurricane
hobby
sunshine
job
fight
career
5. Ashley stared at the newest style of jeans in the 6. Throngs of people shopped at the mall the
catalog. She just had to have them. Her
week before Christmas.
birthday money was not quite enough to cover
the expense. Although she didn't want to
Using the explanation clue, the word throngs in
grovel, she decided to plead with her parents
this sentence means
for the money to buy them.
little number
few
Using the synonym clue, the word grovel in this
sentence means
revolt
network
plead
resist
crowds
no one
Name______________
Homework #2
Due Date:_________
Context Clues: Contrast Clues
1. Being unselfish is rewarding, while being
inconsiderate can cost you many friendships.
2. The bank robber kept a hostage captive for
twenty-four hours until he decided to
emancipate him.
In this sentence, the word inconsiderate means
cultured
In this sentence, the word emancipate means
selfish
keep
firm
free
influenced
hold
captive
3. Lori's mom stayed awake with the sick baby all
night but found herself in quite the stupor the
next day.
In this sentence, the word stupor means
4. The departing president of the organization
gave his valediction. When he was through, he
welcomed the new president to the podium.
In this sentence, the word valediction means
awake
beginning
energetic
welcome
tired state
farewell
enthusiastic
starting
5. The science project was easy, but the math
homework was arduous.
6. The man who lives next door spoke brusquely
to the young children, unlike his wife who is
always polite.
In this sentence, the word arduous means
difficult
In this sentence, the word brusquely means
easy
kindly
wet
courteously
simple
gruffly or impolitely
calmly
7. The preliminary results are not necessarily the
same as the final results.
8. She talks about others malevolently, unlike her
sister who would never say a mean thing about
anyone.
In this sentence, the word preliminary means
conclusion
In this sentence, the word malevolently means
first
kindly
final
meanly or maliciously
last
quietly
warmly
Name_____________________
Homework #3 Due Date:____________________
Context Clues: Comparison Clues
1. The unsubstantial story was as if she were
retelling a dream.
2. Since none of us brought an umbrella, we stood
under the marquee outside the hotel until the
rain stopped.
In this sentence, the word unsubstantial means
realistic
In this sentence, the word marquee means
true
roof
unreal
tree
awning or covering
3. A noxious smell filled the building. The
unpleasant odor made many people feel sick.
In this sentence, the word noxious means
4. The camaraderie in the class made it feel like a
big family.
In this sentence, the word camaraderie means
pleasant
unkindness
fragrant
friendliness or kindness
disgusting
anger
wonderful
resentment
5. The twins were both crying at the same time so 6. The con artist hoodwinked Mom and Dad. They
Mom tried to soothe one while Dad tried to
thought they were getting new windows for our
mollify the other.
home. Instead, they had their credit card
information stolen.
In this sentence, the word mollify means
In this sentence, the word hoodwinked means
worry
upset
improved
soothe
enhanced
make sad
gifted
deceived
7. Although the city wanted to raze the old hotel,
the citizens fought them, and the hotel was
saved from destruction.
In this sentence, the word raze means
8. Connor decided to matriculate at the local
community college. He wanted to begin to
pursue a degree at the school.
In this sentence, the word matriculate means
leave alone
abandon
raise
enroll
destroy
resign
lifted
quit
Name____________________
Homework #4 Due Date:__________________
Context Clues: Antonyms
1. During the emergency, Don was so upset he
was inarticulate, but Cathy remained clear
enough to tell us what had happened.
In this sentence, the word inarticulate means
2. Ann's room was beautiful and reflected her
personality while George's room was the
opposite, so nondescript.
In this sentence, the word nondescript means
clear
descriptive
unclear
decorated
easily comprehended
recognized
easy to understand
of no recognized type
3. In court, Carl defended himself against spurious 4. The eccentric old woman lived in a house that
accusations that he had robbed the local bank.
was anything but normal.
The truth was revealed when the real crook
was arrested.
In this sentence, the word eccentric means
average
In this sentence, the word spurious means
odd or bizarre
false
normal
correct
regular
true
genuine
5. The magnanimous crowd stood up for what
they believed, but the others were too afraid.
In this sentence, the word magnanimous
means
6. The audience appreciated the brevity of the
final speech. Many of the others were quite
lengthy.
In this sentence, the word brevity means
instant
entirety
brief
shortness
identical
extended
heroic
dullness
7. After hearing the beautiful orchestra play,
other bands sound completely cacophonous.
In this sentence, the word cacophonous means
8. Some people are reticent, while others talk
about their feelings freely.
In this sentence, the word reticent means
harmonious
open
musical
secretive
sweet sounding
talkative
harsh or unmusical
Name____________________
Homework #5 Due Date:_________________
Context Clues: Synonyms
1. The young man had a robust appearance; that
is, strong and healthy.
In this sentence, the word robust means
2. The man was sent to the penitentiary, or
prison, for stealing cars.
In this sentence, the word penitentiary means
sick
prison
weak
heaven
small
hotel
healthy
paradise
3. Mom made a delicious chocolate cake for us.
The combination of dark chocolate and
whipped cream created a scrumptious dessert.
4. During the transition, or change, we will need
to put the fourth graders with the fifth graders.
In this sentence, the word transition means
In this sentence, the word scrumptious means
radio
tasteless
change
sour
morning
delicious
during
terrible
5. The worshippers congregated, or gathered, for
the church service.
In this sentence, the word congregated means
6. A melancholy sadness fell over the crowd after
hearing the shocking news.
In this sentence, the word melancholy means
went away
good
left
calm
dispersed
quiet
gathered
depressed or sad
Name_________________
Homework #6 Due Date:___________
Context Clues: Explanations
1. The woman threw on her frock and ran outside, 2. We could tell by the rotten smell, that
forgetting that she needed a belt around her
something putrid was in our trash can.
dress.
In this sentence, the word putrid means
In this sentence, the word frock means
appealing
disregard
alive
woman's dress
rotten
arch
ample
socks
3. After the driver lost control of her automobile, 4. The criminal glanced furtively at the police
the vehicle careened off the road. It went down
officer to make sure he had not been seen.
a bank and slammed into a tree.
In this sentence, the word furtively means
In this sentence, the word careened means
loudly
zigzagged
openly
tidied
quickly and secretly
arranged
slowly
straightened
5. The artist worked meticulously on the sculpture 6. Mr. Battles allowed us to choose our science
of the bear to make it look as realistic as
project, so Eric chose to concoct, or invent, a
possible.
product that would keep ice from melting in
your glass.
In this sentence, the word meticulously means
In this sentence, the word concoct means
carelessly
carefully or precisely
perform
sloppily
invent
quickly
diagram
include
Name_________________
Homework #7 Due Date:__________
Context Clues: Example Sentences
1. Equestrian items would include saddles,
horseshoes, and reins.
2. Projectiles include those items that are shot
forward such as a cannon shell, bullet, or
rocket.
In this sentence, the word equestrian means
having to do with the equator
In this sentence, the word projectiles means
having to do with horses
things put down
having to do with hair
things hurt
having to do with royalty
things shot forward
things broken
3. In the fall, the bright foliage is a delight to see.
Red, orange, and yellow leaves and vegetation
paint the world for our enjoyment.
4. The emergency room doctors see patients with
trauma, such as a broken bone, every night.
In this sentence, the word trauma means
In this sentence, the word foliage means
injury
rocks
headaches
leaves
goals
dirt
plans
houses
5. This summer we needed to move the pigs to
their new pen. The old sow stubbornly refused
to move. The old aphorism, "pig-headed," sure
described her.
6. Many great orators such as Benjamin Franklin,
Patrick Henry, and James Madison laid the
foundation for our constitution.
In this sentence, the word orators means
In this sentence, the word aphorism means
speakers
falsehood
writers
untruth
critics
saying
poets
forgery
Name______________
Homework #8
Due Date:____________
Context Clues: Example Sentences
1. Plants from the arbutus group, such as flowering trees and shrubs with berries, grow mainly in
North America.
Using the example clue, the word arbutus in this sentence means
group of trees and shrubs
fruit
vegetable
2. Projectiles include those items that are shot forward such as a cannon shell, bullet, or rocket.
Using the example clue, the word projectiles in this sentence means
things hurt
things shot forward
things put down
things broken
3. The dark clouds were a caveat of the coming storm. It was not the only warning we received. The
town tornado alarm sounded soon after and gave us enough notice to seek shelter.
Using the example clue, the word caveat in this sentence means
celebration
withdrawal
warning
keep
4. Candles, flashlights, and lamps illuminate the room.
Using the example clue, the word illuminate in this sentence means
lower
light up
Darken
weaken
5. An edifice, such as the Empire State Building, can take years to build.
Using the example clue, the word edifice in this sentence means
large building
steel
concrete wall
coal mine
6. A colossus, such as the Statue of Liberty, can be seen for miles around.
Using the example clue, the word colossus in this sentence means
woman
airplane
torch
huge statue
Name__________________
Homework #9
Due Date:__________________
Context Clues: Explanations
1. In Great Britain, the police officer was called a constable.
Using the explanation clue, the word constable in this sentence means
criminal
policeman
poor person
jockey
2. The servant burnished the silver vase, rubbing hard to bring back the shine.
Using the explanation clue, the word burnished in this sentence means
muted
clouded
polished
pounded
3. Our new puppy was so rambunctious; all she wanted to do was run in circles around the house.
Using the explanation clue, the word rambunctious in this sentence means
quiet
laid-back
calm
energetic
4. The lawsuit was so frivolous that the judge dismissed the case and told the attorney not to bring
any more silly cases into his court.
Using the explanation clue, the word frivolous in this sentence means
silly
critical
long
costly
5. Phyllis felt elated when she won the race.
Using the explanation clue, the word elated in this sentence means
miserable
tired
sick
happy
6. Vickie engaged in scintillating conversation with our guests and delighted each one.
Using the explanation clue, the word scintillating in this sentence means
turbulent
witty
dull
boring
Name________________
Homework #10
Due Date:_______
Context Clues: Synonyms
1. During the transition, or change, we will need to put the fourth graders with the fifth graders.
Using the synonym clue, the word transition in this sentence means
morning
radio
change
during
2. Jackie was filled with mortification, or shame, because of her careless remark.
Using the synonym clue, the word mortification in this sentence means
happy
proud
confident
shame
3. The cop knocked the derringer, or gun, away from the bad guy.
Using the synonym clue, the word derringer in this sentence means
hat
gun
book
jewelry
4. We made tentative plans with the restaurant, even though we were still undecided when we would
have her party.
Using the synonym clue, the word tentative in this sentence means
sure
definite
uncertain
certain
5. An unknown benefactor donated thousands of dollars to the homeless shelter.
Using the synonym clue, the word benefactor in this sentence means
receiver
donor
person
recipient
6. The witness began to prevaricate when questioned under oath. He hesitated instead of answering
right away.
Using the synonym clue, the word prevaricate in this sentence means
hesitate
survive
continue
sustain
Name___________________
Homework #11
Due Date:__________________
Context Clues: Antonyms
1. The fumes were pernicious, not harmless.
Using the antonym clue, the word pernicious in this sentence means
harmless
harmful
not dangerous
safe
2. The sight of the ominous clouds told us that clear weather was far from our area.
Using the antonym clue, the word ominous in this sentence means
clear
fluffy
bright
stormy or dark
3. Although she was skeptical about our plan at first, she finally believed that it would be a good idea.
Using the antonym clue, the word skeptical in this sentence means
social
doubting
brave
relieved
4. I could not fathom why the Seattle Seahawks lost to the worst team in the league, but I guess
football can be a little confusing at times.
Using the antonym clue, the word fathom in this sentence means
win
increase
understand
boast
5. Using certain body language is illicit in some countries, but allowed in others.
Using the antonym clue, the word illicit in this sentence means
dumb
cool
awkward
forbidden
6. Mary always brought a sense of serenity home with her because of her calm ways, while Max
brought a sense of chaos with him.
Using the antonym clue, the word serenity in this sentence means
disorder
chaos
confusion
calmness
Name___________________
Homework # 12
Due Date:________________
Context Clues: Comparison Clues
1. Although the city wanted to raze the old hotel, the citizens fought them, and the hotel was saved
from destruction.
Using the comparison clue, the word raze in this sentence means
destroy
raise
lifted
leave alone
2. Jill's capricious behavior shows up when she speaks out of turn.
Using the comparison clue, the word capricious in this sentence means
careful
steady
stable
careless
3. The unsubstantial story was as if she were retelling a dream.
Using the comparison clue, the word unsubstantial in this sentence means
true
realistic
unreal
4. The mother was determined to prove her son's innocence; the father was resolute as well.
Using the comparison clue, the word resolute in this sentence means
determined
not determined
wavering
unsure
5. Although the cabinet was ligneous, it wasn't made with real wood.
Using the comparison clue, the word ligneous in this sentence means
empty
native
brown
wood-like
6. When Mother became ill and needed help, Grandma's visit turned out to be fortuitous.
Using the comparison clue, the word fortuitous in this sentence means
well timed
long
unhelpful
badly timed
Name__________________
Homework #13
Due Date:_______________
Context Clues: Contrast Clues
1. The science project was easy, but the math homework was arduous.
Using the contrast clue, the word arduous in this sentence means
wet
simple
difficult
easy
2. Honesty is the best policy because being fraudulent can get you in big trouble with your parents.
Using the contrast clue, the word fraudulent in this sentence means
pure
dishonest
focused
sassy
3. The disabled woman overcame great adversity in order to compete in the marathon.
Using the contrast clue, the word adversity in this sentence means
difficulty
ease
chance
opportunity
4. The behavior in the classroom was calm, but the behavior in the lunchroom was obstreperous.
Using the contrast clue, the word obstreperous in this sentence means
quiet
peaceful
calm
noisy and unruly
5. The bank robber kept a hostage captive for twenty-four hours until he decided to emancipate him.
Using the contrast clue, the word emancipate in this sentence means
captive
free
hold
keep
6. He walked nonchalantly to his next class, unlike the other students who were running to get to
theirs.
Using the contrast clue, the word nonchalantly in this sentence means
easygoing or uncaring
excited
concerned
worried
Name____________________
Homework #14
Due Date:_______________
Context Clues
1. The unsubstantial story was as if she were retelling a dream.
Using the comparison clue, the word unsubstantial in this sentence means
unreal
true
realistic
2. Lori's mom stayed awake with the sick baby all night but found herself in quite the stupor the next
day.
Using the contrast clue, the word stupor in this sentence means
tired state
awake
energetic
enthusiastic
3. Marie is quite a bibliophile. Her love for books is evident by her enormous library.
Using the synonym clue, the word bibliophile in this sentence means
animal lover
plant lover
book lover
money lover
4. We should be careful not to ostracize those who are different from us. It is much better for all if we
are welcoming to everyone.
Using the antonym clue, the word ostracize in this sentence means
embrace
exclude
welcome
include
5. Many great orators such as Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, and James Madison laid the
foundation for our constitution.
Using the example clue, the word orators in this sentence means
critics
writers
speakers
poets
6. The student tried to assimilate the information so that he could understand how satellites orbit in
space.
Using the explanation clue, the word assimilate in this sentence means
not get
miss
not learn
comprehend or learn