Using Context Clues to Determine Word Meanings

Front

re•tire
I am so exhausted from running the marathon that I am going to retire early tonight.

Back

To go to bed

Front

My teacher wants to develop an app that will grade papers.

Back

To bring or come into being

Front

lack
She definitely won’t get your jokes because she lacks a sense of humor.

Back

To be without

Front

Decay: If you brush and floss your teeth every day, you can prevent tooth decay.

Back

A breaking down or rotting

Front

af•fect
The detective affected an interest in buying a diamond ring in order to speak with the jeweler.

Back

To pretend to be or to have

Front

exceed
We received a ticket for exceeding the speed limit by 20 miles per hour.

Back

To go beyond what is allowed

Front

Use context clues to determine the meaning of the bolded word in the paragraph below. Mina agreed to go on the excursion, but only because she was getting stir crazy sitting in her hotel room all day.  Normally, little trips to see the sights did not interest her.  But her teammates convinced her to make the best of her trip and explore the beauty of Mexico.

Back

a short trip for pleasure or enjoyment

Front

I believed every word of Uncle Herm’s story until I saw him chuckle with amusement at the expression on my face.  It was then that I realized that he never really owned a pet monkey, and he simply made the story up to see my reaction.

Back

something that causes laughter or provides entertainment

Front

Use context clues to determine the meaning of the bolded word in the paragraph below.

Thousands of young men and women were eager to join the corps. Married couples and older people were also accepted. Those who were finally selected were well qualified for the work they would be doing. I was proud to belong to the Peace Corps.

Back

a group of people engaged in a particular activity

Front

portray

Back

to represent or play the part of someone or something