Name: _____________________________
Context Clues 3.5

Directions: read each sentence and determine the meaning of the word using cross sentence clues or your prior knowledge. Then, explain what clues in the sentence helped you determine the word meaning.

1. torrid: The bearded man sweated as he crawled through the torrid desert.

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

2. partake: Joshua did not want to partake in bullying the new kid because he had once been a new student himself and he remembered how hard it was to adjust. 

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

3. vestibule: Jon pulled open the doors to the large building and stood in the vestibule for a moment to catch his breath before entering the reception area. 

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

4. meritorious: The solider was awarded four medals for his meritorious conduct on the battlefield.

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

5. ecstatic: Have you heard? Super star country western group The Mountain Boys are getting back together for a reunion tour. Fans all over the world will be ecstatic to hear this news.

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

6. contempt: Ever since she found out that I stole that fudge from those blind people, my teacher has treated me with contempt. Usually she won't even look at me and when she does she scowls. 

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

7. askance: As he got off the train to the city, the clever farm boy looked askance at the man with the cardboard sign claiming to be a wallet inspector. 

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

8. havoc: The giant fire-breathing monster was unleashed to cause havoc in the city of Tokyo. 

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

9. terrestrial: Scientists claim that the plants and animals on this recently discovered planet are unlike any of the terrestrial variety which we have known our whole lives. 

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

10. actuate: My daughter would never have behaved in this way had she not been actuated by her feelings for that no good Larry. 

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

11. subside: After his outburst, Raphael decided to stay outside of the classroom until his feelings of rage subsided. 

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

12. predominate: Ever since the season started again, football has been the predominant topic of conversation amongst the boys in the lunchroom.

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?