Context Clues - Contrast/antonym

Read the sentence: After the long hike, I felt lethargic, but my brother was still energetic enough to play soccer. What does the word lethargic most likely mean?

• Excited and happy

• Tired and slow-moving

• Hungry and thirsty

• Annoyed and frustrated

Answer explanation

The word 'but' signals a contrast between how the speaker felt and how their energetic brother felt. Since the brother was energetic, 'lethargic' must mean the opposite, which is tired and slow-moving.

Match each vocabulary word to the sentence that uses its antonym in a contrasting context.

• The park was a peaceful oasis, unlike the chaotic city streets just a block away.

• serene

• While my brother was pessimistic about our chances, I still felt we could win.

• trivial

• The issue was not a significant problem; on the contrary, it was a minor inconvenience.

• optimistic

• The hero was bold and daring, in stark contrast to the timid kitten hiding under the bed.

• courageous

Answer explanation

The task is to find the antonym (opposite) of each vocabulary word within a sentence that shows a contrast. 'Serene' is the opposite of 'chaotic,' 'trivial' is the opposite of 'significant,' 'optimistic' is the opposite of 'pessimistic,' and 'courageous' is the opposite of 'timid.' The contrast words in the sentences (e.g., 'unlike,' 'on the contrary,' 'while,' 'in contrast to') are clues.

Read the sentence: The mayor's speech was concise; however, the council member's long, rambling talk put everyone to sleep. What does concise mean?

• Loud and powerful

• Confusing and unclear

• Brief and to the point

• Emotional and inspiring

Answer explanation

The contrast word 'however' shows that 'concise' is the opposite of the council member's 'long, rambling talk.' Therefore, 'concise' means brief and to the point.

Sort these words and phrases into two groups: those that signal a contrast and those that do not.

Groups:

(a) Signals Contrast

,

(b) Does Not Signal Contrast

• on the other hand

• in addition

• for example

• however

• because

• unlike

Answer explanation

Words like 'however,' 'unlike,' and 'on the other hand' are used to introduce an idea that is different or opposite. The other words introduce examples, additional information, or causes.

Which word in the following sentence is an antonym clue? 'The old stadium was demolished, but the new arena is state-of-the-art.'

• demolished

• but

• arena

• and

Answer explanation

The word 'but' is a conjunction used to connect two contrasting ideas. It signals that the description of the new arena will be the opposite of the old stadium.

Read the sentence: My brother is gregarious, whereas I am quite shy and prefer to be alone. Based on the context, what does gregarious mean?

• Artistic

• Athletic

• Sociable

• Studious

Answer explanation

The word 'whereas' indicates a contrast between the speaker, who is 'shy,' and their brother. Therefore, 'gregarious' must mean the opposite of shy, which is sociable.

Match each signal word to the type of relationship it most commonly shows in a sentence.

• Shows a direct opposition

• although

• Concedes a point before contrasting

• unlike

• Highlights a difference between two things

• instead

• Indicates a replacement or alternative

• but

Answer explanation

Each word signals a contrast, but in a slightly different way. 'But' shows direct opposition, 'although' concedes a point, 'unlike' compares differences, and 'instead' offers a substitute.

Read the sentence: The teacher thought my excuse was plausible, unlike my friend's story, which was clearly unbelievable. What is the meaning of plausible?

• Funny

• Complicated

• Believable

• Original

Answer explanation

The clue 'unlike' contrasts 'plausible' with 'unbelievable.' This indicates that 'plausible' means the opposite of unbelievable, which is believable or credible.

Which sentence uses a contrast clue to help define the word tranquil?

• The park was tranquil, in sharp contrast to the noisy, chaotic city streets just a block away.

• The park was tranquil, and many people were enjoying the peaceful afternoon.

• The park was tranquil because the weather was sunny and warm.

• The tranquil park had many beautiful flowers and tall, shady trees.

Answer explanation

This sentence uses the phrase 'in sharp contrast to' to oppose 'tranquil' with 'noisy, chaotic.' This contrast makes it clear that tranquil means peaceful and calm.

Read each sentence and determine the type of context clue used to define the bolded word. Sort the sentences into the correct category based on the clue type.

Groups:

(a) Contrast (Antonym) Clue

,

(b) Restatement (Synonym) Clue

• The student was **diligent**, or hardworking, and completed every assignment on time.

• She felt completely **lethargic**, so sluggish that she could barely get out of bed.

• The desert is known for its **arid** climate, unlike the humid and rainy tropics.

• The journey was **perilous**; in other words, it was full of danger.

• His actions were **malicious**; however, his sister's intentions were always kind.

• Some people are quite **garrulous**, whereas others are quiet and reserved.

Answer explanation

Sentences with contrast clues use signal words like 'whereas,' 'unlike,' and 'however' to show an opposite meaning. Sentences with restatement clues use signal words or phrases like 'or,' 'in other words,' or appositives to provide a synonym or definition.