Multiple Meaning Words and Phrases

My backpack is so light today because I only have one notebook. What does the word light mean in this sentence?

• A source of brightness, like a lamp

• Not heavy in weight

• Pale in color

• To set something on fire

Answer explanation

The context clue 'only have one notebook' suggests the backpack is not heavy. The other options are different meanings of 'light' that don't fit the sentence.

Match each sentence to the correct meaning of the bolded word.

• To get up or stand

• After the long meeting, he rose from his chair.

• To be believable or acceptable

• That excuse just won't fly with my parents.

• To throw something

• The pitcher will pitch the ball to the batter.

Answer explanation

Each sentence provides context to determine the specific meaning of the word. 'Pitch' means to throw in a baseball context, 'rose' means to get up, and the phrase 'won't fly' means something is not acceptable.

The phone battery was low, so I had to charge it. What is the meaning of charge in this context?

• To rush forward in an attack

• To ask for a price or fee

• To fill with electrical power

• To be responsible for something

Answer explanation

The context clues 'phone battery was low' directly point to the meaning of restoring electrical power. The other options are valid meanings of 'charge' but do not fit this specific situation.

Sort the sentences based on the meaning of the word run. The categories are: To move quickly on foot, To operate or manage.

Groups:

(a) To move quickly on foot

,

(b) To operate or manage

• Can you run the dishwasher for me?

• My dad taught me how to run the family business.

• I need to run to the store before it closes.

• She will run in the marathon next month.

Answer explanation

The sentences are sorted based on whether 'run' refers to the physical act of moving fast on foot or the act of managing or operating something.

There's no point in arguing about it; we need to find a solution. Which definition of point is used here?

• A sharp end of a tool or weapon

• A specific location or position

• A reason or purpose

• To indicate direction with a finger

Answer explanation

In this context, 'no point in arguing' means there is no reason or purpose for the argument. The other meanings relate to physical objects or actions.

Match each sentence to the correct definition of the bolded word.

• Belonging to the present time; happening or being used or done now

• The flowers bloom in the spring.

• To be equal, similar, or corresponding

• These two socks don't match.

• The season after winter and before summer

• The news report is not current; it's from last week.

Answer explanation

This question assesses the ability to determine the meaning of a multiple-meaning word based on its context. In the first sentence, 'spring' refers to the season. In the second, 'match' means to correspond. In the third, 'current' means up-to-date.

Which sentence uses the word trip to mean 'to stumble or fall'?

• Our family is planning a road trip to the Grand Canyon.

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

• He had to make another trip to the car to get the groceries.

• That was a fun trip down memory lane.

Answer explanation

This is the only sentence where 'trip' refers to the physical act of stumbling. The other options use 'trip' to mean a journey or excursion.

Sort these sentences into categories based on the meaning of the word rock. The categories are: A type of music, A stone, To move back and forth.

Groups:

(a) A type of music

,

(b) A stone

,

(c) To move back and forth

• I skipped a flat rock across the pond.

• My favorite band plays classic rock.

• I found a smooth, gray rock on the beach.

• The gentle waves made the boat rock.

• She is a huge fan of 80s rock music.

• Please don't rock your chair like that.

Answer explanation

The sentences are classified by whether 'rock' refers to a music genre, a physical stone, or the action of moving back and forth.

We had a picnic on the grassy bank of the river. What does bank mean in this sentence?

• A place to save money

• The land alongside a river or lake

• To rely or depend on something

• A tilted turn made by a vehicle

Answer explanation

The context clue 'of the river' clearly indicates that 'bank' refers to the land next to the water, not a financial institution or another meaning.

Match each sentence to the meaning of the bolded word.

• Pale or not dark in color

• The light blue color of the sky was beautiful.

• The central idea or argument

• The main point of his speech was about teamwork.

• To rush forward aggressively

• The bull began to charge at the red cape.

Answer explanation

This question tests the ability to distinguish between different meanings of common words. 'Point' means the main idea, 'light' means pale in color, and 'charge' means to rush forward.