USING CONTEXT CLUES
Figuring Out What Words Mean:
What do you do when you are
reading, and you come
across a word you don't
know?
MULTIPLE MEANING WORDS
Multiple Meaning Words are words that have several meanings depending upon how they are used in a
sentence.
I was eating a cherry, and I accidentally bit the pit.
pit
1. noun; a wide, deep hole dug in the ground
2. noun; a small hole in a surface
3. noun; the hard seed at the center
of certain fruits.
4. verb; to set against one another
Which definition best fits the meaning of pit as it is used in the sentence?
A. Meaning 1
C. Meaning 3
B. Meaning 2
D. Meaning 4
MULTIPLE MEANING WORDS
Multiple Meaning Words are words that have several meanings depending upon how
they are used in a sentence.
The letter had a very impressive seal at the top of it.
seal
1. noun; a design that is stamped on wax or other soft material
to make a document authentic or official.
2. noun; a material or object used to close something tightly.
3. noun; a mammal that spends most of its life in the ocean.
4. verb; to close using a seal
Which definition best fits the meaning of seal as it is used in the sentence?
A. Meaning 1
C. Meaning 3
B. Meaning 2
D. Meaning 4
MULTIPLE MEANING WORDS
Multiple Meaning Words are words that have several meanings depending upon how they are used in a
sentence.
I used a check to pay for my groceries.
check
1. noun; a test or search to make
sure that something is correct or in order.
2. noun; a written order to a bank to pay
money from an account.
3. noun; a bill for food and drink at a bar or
restaurant
4. noun; a design or pattern made up of small squares.
Which definition best fits the meaning of check as it is used in the sentence?
A. Meaning 1
C. Meaning 3
B. Meaning 2
D. Meaning 4
MULTIPLE MEANING WORDS
Multiple Meaning Words are words that have several meanings depending
upon how they are used in a sentence.
Mrs. Jones remained cool and collected even when angry.
cool
1.
2.
3.
4.
somewhat cold
not excited, calm
to make or become cool
informal
Which definition best fits the meaning of cool as it is used in the sentence?
A. Meaning 1
C. Meaning 3
B. Meaning 2
D. Meaning 4