Multiple Meaning Words and Phrases

After washing my favorite sweater, I noticed a long run in the sleeve. What does the word run mean in this sentence?

• A score in baseball

• To move quickly on foot

• A tear or unraveling in fabric

• To operate a computer program

Answer explanation

The context of a sweater and a 'long run in the sleeve' indicates a tear or unraveling in the material, not the other meanings related to sports, movement, or technology.

Match each sentence to the correct meaning of the bolded word in that context.

• A character in the alphabet

• What's the point of this assignment?

• A person who governs or leads

• The queen was a fair ruler.

• The main idea or purpose

• The first letter of my name is 'J'.

• To look at or observe attentively

• The guard will watch the gate all night.

Answer explanation

Each word's meaning is determined by the context. 'Point' refers to purpose, 'letter' to an alphabet character, 'ruler' to a leader, and 'watch' to the act of observing. The other meanings of these words (a sharp end, a written message, a measuring stick, a timepiece) do not fit.

Sort the sentences into categories based on the meaning of the word rock: A Type of Music, A Back-and-Forth Movement, or A Stone.

Groups:

(a) A Type of Music

,

(b) A Back-and-Forth Movement

,

(c) A Stone

• My dad's favorite music is classic rock.

• The gentle rock of the boat made me sleepy.

• She skipped a flat rock across the pond.

• He found a cool-looking rock on the beach.

Answer explanation

The sentences are sorted based on whether 'rock' refers to a music genre, a gentle swaying motion, or a piece of stone.

I had to pay a fine for returning the library book late. In this context, what is a fine?

• Something of very high quality

• A penalty payment for breaking a rule

• Feeling healthy and well

• Very small or thin particles

Answer explanation

The context of returning a library book late indicates that 'fine' means a penalty payment, not the other meanings related to quality, health, or size.

Is this magazine article about current events? Which word is a synonym for current as it's used here?

• Flowing

• Past

• Up-to-date

• Electrical

Answer explanation

In the phrase 'current events', 'current' means happening now or up-to-date. The other options refer to different meanings of the word.

Match each word in the sentence to the definition it represents in that specific context.

• To perform or play rock music

• The metal spring launched the toy.

• An insect with two wings

• A fly kept buzzing around my head.

• A gesture made by moving one's hand

• He gave a friendly wave from across the street.

• A coiled piece of metal that can be pressed or pulled

• The band will rock the stadium tonight.

Answer explanation

The context of each sentence determines the word's meaning. 'Spring' is a mechanical part (not the season), 'fly' is an insect (not the verb to move through air), 'wave' is a hand gesture (not an ocean wave), and 'rock' refers to playing music (not a stone).

The principal will address the students at the assembly. Which action will the principal most likely take?

• Write down the school's location

• Speak directly to the student body

• Mail a letter to every student

• Look up a student's home information

Answer explanation

In the context of an assembly, to 'address' students means to speak to them. The other options relate to the meaning of 'address' as a location.

Sort these sentences based on the meaning of the word bat: A Flying Mammal or Sports Equipment.

Groups:

(a) A Flying Mammal

,

(b) Sports Equipment

• A wooden bat is used in baseball.

• The player swung the bat with all his might.

• The bat used its wings to navigate the night sky.

• We saw a bat fly out of the cave at dusk.

Answer explanation

The sentences are classified based on whether 'bat' refers to the nocturnal animal or the piece of equipment used in sports like baseball.

Read the sentence below.

Be careful not to trip over the cord on the floor.

What does trip mean in this sentence?

• A short journey or vacation

• To walk with a light, quick step

• To stumble or catch one's foot on something

• To activate a switch or alarm

Answer explanation

The context of a 'cord on the floor' indicates the meaning is to stumble. While 'trip' can also mean a journey, walking lightly, or activating a switch, those meanings do not fit the sentence.

Match the bolded word in each sentence to its correct meaning in that context.

• Difficult to solve or understand

• The test was a fair assessment of our knowledge.

• Just and impartial

• This math problem is really hard.

• Unfriendly or lacking emotion

• He gave me a cold stare after I told the joke.

• Not heavy

• This box is surprisingly light.

Answer explanation

The meaning of each adjective is determined by the context. 'Light' means not heavy, 'hard' means difficult, 'cold' means unfriendly, and 'fair' means impartial.