Vocabulary: Context Clues
Directions: Using context clues from the sentences provided, try to guess the meaning of each
word. Type or write the guessed meanings in the appropriate spaces provided. Then, use
dictionary.com to listen to the pronunciation and find the meanings of the words as they are used
in each sentence. Type or write the dictionary meanings in the appropriate spaces provided. 2
points for each context clue guess and 2 points for each dictionary meaning provided. 40 points
total.
1. Unlike many who suffer from congenital blindness, Ray Charles wasn’t born without sight, but
lost it as a young boy.
Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word congenital:
Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word congenital as it is used in the above sentence:
2. He explained to the officers that he was not involved in the melee, but saw how the fight
began.
Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word melee:
Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word melee as it is used in the above sentence:
3. I’m glad he supports the home team, but his loyalty borders on obstinacy when he argues
with others about how good the team actually is.
Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word obstinacy:
Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word obstinacy as it is used in the above sentence:
4. So much was riding on this test, that even though she studied for it, she still approached it
with trepidation.
Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word trepidation:
Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word trepidation as it is used in the above sentence:
5. He shrouded his real feelings with hospitable gestures and friendly remarks.
Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the term shrouded:
Now, record the dictionary meaning of the term shrouded as it is used in the above sentence:
6. Training a dog is mostly about when to chastise and when to praise.
Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word chastise:
Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word chastise as it is used in the above sentence:
7. I didn’t think it was presumptuous of us to expect food at the wedding reception.
Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word presumptuous:
Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word presumptuous as it is used in the above
sentence:
8. Since your expenses are double your revenues, you need to stop or at least lessen this
financial hemorrhaging if you plan on saving the company.
Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word hemorrhaging:
Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word hemorrhaging as it is used in the above
sentence:
9. A travel writer claimed that she was irrevocably changed by seeing the abject poverty in India.
Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word irrevocably:
Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word irrevocably as it is used in the above sentence:
10. While hiking through the mountains, I had an epiphany that I was the one causing my
unhappiness.
Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word epiphany:
Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word epiphany as it is used in the above sentence: