Name: _____________________________
Context Clues 3.7

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. entitle: I wouldn't mind sharing with Patrick if he didn't act like being a part of the Witherspoon family entitled him to a piece of everything on campus.

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

2. usurp: Though Joseph was the true king, his uncle usurped the throne and was now ruling the land quite cruelly. 

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

3. candid: When around his coworkers, Alan said that he agreed with the boss's new policy, but his candid opinion was that it would drive away customers.

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

4. magnanimous: The magnanimous judge released the young offender who had been caught stealing bread by saying, "Everybody has to eat," and slamming down his gavel.

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

5. acquiesce: Angela did not want to go to the party. She wanted to study for the exam, but her sister nagged her so much that Angela finally acquiesced and agreed to go.

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

6. grievance: The workers wrote an anonymous letter to their boss in which they expressed their grievances: long working hours, low pay, and dangerous working conditions.

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

7. seize: The police officer seized the firework from the underage children. 

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

8. deprive: The students were angry that the principal deprived everyone of prom because of the actions of a few individuals. 

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

9. ascertain: Kevin told me that there is no homework. Katie told me that we are supposed to study for a quiz. I'm going to check the teacher's website to ascertain the truth.

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

10. compulsory: Bruce did not want to help clean up the trash by the river, but the principal told him that since he chose to skip classes on Friday, his participation in the event would be compulsory. 

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

11. enumerate: When Bobby asked Kelly to give him one reason why they shouldn't go, Kelly enumerated a list long enough to quiet Bobby.

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?

12. prohibitive: I've wanted to purchase the new Game Box since it came out last November, but up until now the price has been prohibitive.

Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________

What clues in the sentence lead you to your definition?