Determining the Meaning of Unknown Words

What do you call a word that has the opposite meaning of another word?

• a homonym

• a synonym

• an antonym

• an explanation

When you are reading and come to an unknown word, what should you do first?

• look for clues in the text

• skip it and keep reading

• look it up in the dictionary

• ask the teacher what it means

Based on context clues in the passage below, MIGRATE means ____.

Many Northern birds migrate for winter. They return in the spring.

• sing

• move away

• eat

• lay eggs

Read the passage below. Which word or words best helps you understand the meaning of the word OBEDIENT?

The obedient child always followed her mother's requests. That night, she brushed her teeth, folded her clothes, and went to bed before her mother had to come in and remind her.

• brushed her teeth

• that night

• folded her clothes

• followed her mother's requests

Based on context clues in the passage below, TRUNCATED means _____.

I was upset that the ebook file was truncated because I couldn't find out how the story ended.

• cut short

• finished

• overly long

• boring

Based on context clues in the passage below, TRIFLE means _____.

Her cat was dying, and she was worried about a trifle like her torn dress!

• a sword

• everything

• a little thing

• a big deal

Context clues are hints in a sentence or passage. You may find the clue in the same sentence as the word you don't know or in a nearby sentence.

Read the following passage, then answer the question.

When I observe my sister, I can't help but notice how savvy she is. Shrewd and clever, she always makes good decisions. I find her inspirational and when I am around her, I strive to be as knowing as she is.

Which phrase from the passage provides context clues for the meaning of the word "savvy"?

• "When I observe my sister"

• "I find her"

• "Shrewd and clever"

• "as she is."

Sometimes, a difficult word or phrase is explained in simpler language. Look for a synonym: a word or phrase that has the same meaning as the unknown word.

Read the following passage, then answer the question.

THe mayor's speech was bombastic. It was full of big words but had very little meaning. The town's citizens left the meeting more confused than ever.

Which word or phrase from the passage helps you figure out the meaning of the word "bombastic"?

• "The mayor's"

• "more confused than ever"

• "full or big words but had very little meaning"

• "citizens"

Sometimes we can figure out the meaning of a word by looking for a word with the opposite meaning nearby. Look for an antonym: a word or phrase that has the opposite meaning as the unknown word.

What is the meaning of "cordial" as it is used in the sentence below?

She gave a cordial greeting - so different from the cold, unfriendly words she'd said before.

• friendly and warm

• quiet and proud

• angry and annoyed

• happy and joyful

Sometimes, the meaning of an unknown word or phrase is explained immediately following its use. Look for an explanation for the unknown word in the sentence or sentences nearby.

Read the following passage, then answer the question.

The clown was irate. He angrily smashed the birthday cake and popped the balloons before fleeing the party.

Which word or phrase from the passage helps you figure out the meaning of the word "irate"?

• "fleeing"

• "the clown"

• "angrily smashed"

• "birthday cake"