Determine Word Meaning Using Context Clues
Instructions for Vocabulary Analysis
Read each sentence and determine the meaning of the bolded word using context clues or your prior knowledge. Then, explain what clues in the sentence helped you determine the word meaning.
1. Degrade
Sentence: Suzie’s mother taught her to never let anyone degrade her, so now she demands respect in all of her relationships.
Definition:
To lower someone’s value or social position.
What clues in the sentence led you to your definition?This is the opposite of respecting someone. |
2. Frivolous
Sentence: My mom wanted to get the red napkins for the party and my dad wanted the blue napkins, but I’m not even concerned about such frivolous things.
Definition:
Unimportant.
What clues in the sentence led you to your definition?The speaker does not care about the color of the napkins. |
3. Discontent
Sentence: If we use the red napkins, my mom will be happy but my dad will be discontent.
Definition:
Upset; not happy.
What clues in the sentence led you to your definition?The speaker’s dad dislikes the red napkins. |
4. Morsel
Sentence: The dogs were so hungry that they would have killed one another for a morsel of meat.
Definition:
A small piece.
What clues in the sentence led you to your definition?The sentence implies that the dogs would be willing to fight over a small amount of food. |
5. Fretful
Sentence: My mom always worries about my grades and the colleges that I’ll be able to attend, but if she were a little less fretful she’d be a lot more fun.
Definition:
Unable to relax; restless and worried.
What clues in the sentence led you to your definition?Worrying about grades is no fun. |
6. Appall
Sentence: John had seen horror movies before, but when he saw Bloodcore 6, he was so appalled by the bloodshed that he wrote the newspapers warning parents not to allow their children to see this movie.
Definition:
Shocked by something unpleasant.
What clues in the sentence led you to your definition?John does not like the movie because it is violent. |
7. Wither
Sentence: Alice finally threw the withering roses away when a dead petal fell into her cereal bowl.
Definition:
To shrivel, droop, or dry up.
What clues in the sentence led you to your definition?The roses are losing their leaves. |
8. Simultaneous
Sentence: Few were impressed by Kirstin’s presentation, “How to Walk and Chew Gum at the Same Time,” even though Kirstin was able to simultaneously walk and chew gum.
Definition:
Two or more acts or events occurring at the same time.
What clues in the sentence led you to your definition?Kirstin can walk and chew gum at the same time. |
9. Reluctant
Sentence: As Kevin remembered the promise he made earlier, he reluctantly agreed to help Jennie move her stuff into her new apartment.
Definition:
To do something against one’s own wishes; hesitatingly.
What clues in the sentence led you to your definition?Kevin doesn’t want to help Jennie move. |
10. Reproach
Sentence: Miss Annie reproached Johnny for the missing chocolate chip cookies, even though Johnny is allergic to chocolate.
Definition:
To scold or criticize.
What clues in the sentence led you to your definition?Miss Annie thinks that Johnny ate the cookie. |
11. Penitent
Sentence: It is difficult to forgive someone who has hurt you, even if that person is penitent and expresses regret for their decisions.
Definition:
Feeling pain or sorrow on account of one’s actions; guilt.
What clues in the sentence led you to your definition?The sentence states that a penitent person expresses regret. |
12. Sustain
Sentence: It is difficult to sustain a smile when your whole world is falling apart.
Definition:
To hold or maintain something that would otherwise fall out of existence.
What clues in the sentence led you to your definition?It is hard to smile when things are going badly. |