Context Clues Word Definitions

We thought that Mrs. Kerner would be very DISTRAUGHT when told that Antonio broke Ms.Pate's pointer; however, she took the news very calmly. What does the word DISTRAUGHT mean?
.

• anxious

• upset

• happy

• fearful

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

When my sister decided to apply to several colleges, our mailbox started getting lots of advertisements from other colleges that she had never even heard of. The deluge of letters and post cards filled our mailbox each day.
What does deluge mean in the passage?

• only a few things

• storm

• overwhelmed with a lot of things

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

It was night and the storm was raging. The big ship was tossed like a cork in the ocean. When the captain noticed that they were almost ashore, he saw a lighthouse, shining its beacon in the middle of the darkness. The captain steered the ship away from the rocks and guided it safely to land.
What does the word beacon mean?

• a light as a signal or warning

• a radio transmitter for a ship or aircraft

• a roadside sign

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Last spring, our principal had long brown hair. At the beginning of this school year, I saw her welcoming students back to school and I was shocked to see how much she had changed. Not only was her hair now blond, but it was cut in a drastic way. I almost didn't recognize her. 
What does drastic mean?

• a small amount of something

• medium amount of something

• extreme effect

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

My dad just found out that the company that he worked for was closing down and that he would lose his job. I knew this would definitely add to my dad's stress level. Even though my dad would look for work right away, just the thought of losing his job was a burden for him.
What does the word burden mean?

• something that is heavy

• a worry

• the main responsibility 

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

The frigid water made Elizabeth’s teeth chatter.

• cold

• clean

• green

• warm

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

Unlike the other candidates, who stammered and stuttered through their speeches, Lilli was eloquent. What is the best definition of "eloquent?"

• well-spoken

• musical

• quick witted

• intelligent

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

"Voldemort was a malevolent force in the world -- cruel, violent, and evil." In the previous sentence, you can define the word "malevolent" through the use of:

• antonyms

• synonyms

• homonyms

• homophones

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

What is the closest synonym for "context?"

• synonym

• definition

• setting

• theme

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

The teacher's explanation was so concise that everyone understood the concept immediately. What does the word 'concise' mean in this context?

• A) lengthy

• B) brief

• C) confusing

• D) detailed

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A