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Definition and Example Clues
Teaching
Two forms of context clues are example(s) and definition of an unfamiliar word.
Read the sentences below.
We collected kindling, such as dry twigs and branches, to start the fire.
The examples, such as dry twigs and branches tell you that kindling means
easily burned materials used to start a fire. The terms like, such as, for example,
and other often signal an example format.
A dirigible is an aircraft that is lighter than air.
A definition clue is usually signaled by a form of the verb to be (am, is, are, was,
were) or by commas or dashes. Often a definition clue tells what class the item is
in (aircraft) and then tells how it is different from other members of that class
(lighter than air).
A. Definition and Example Clues in Action
In each sentence below, first look at the italicized word, then look for clues to its
meaning. Circle either example or definition. Then write a meaning for the
italicized word.
1. The prisoner was in a state of wratha feeling
of intense anger.
example/definition
Meaning: ______________________________
2. I liked his blunt mannerfor example, he
always told me the truth.
example/definition
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Meaning: ______________________________
3. To shun someone is to have nothing to do
with that person.
example/definition
Meaning: ______________________________
4. The rain was consistentthat is, it kept the same
rhythm and intensity for more than an hour.
example/definition
Meaning: ______________________________
5. Afterward Jerry showed some signs of
remorse, such as apologizing to everyone and
paying back the money he had lost.
example/definition
Meaning: ______________________________
6. She had a gaudy wardrobefor example, pink
shoes, bright hats, and sweaters with
rhinestones.
example/definition
Meaning: ______________________________
7. I think you should be skeptical about those
claims. That is, you should doubt or question
them first.
example/definition
Meaning: ______________________________
8. As spring approached we began to see new
hues in the landscape, such as various shades
of green, yellow, and gold.
Meaning: ______________________________
9. One kind of phobia is a fear of flying. There
are other kinds, such as a fear of insects and a
fear of high places.
Meaning: ______________________________
10. He seemed to be ill, but it was merely a ruse,
that is, a clever trick to deceive us.
Meaning: ______________________________
VOCABULARY
Name
Definition and Example Clues
ruse
wrath
blunt
gaudy
phobia
remorse
consistent
skeptical
More Practice
shun
hues
B. Vocabulary Words in Action
Review the meanings of the words in the list above. Then insert in each sentence
the word that correctly fits the meaning.
1. Tim was really embarrassed; his face showed ________________ from pink to scarlet.
2. His ________________ clothes were out of place at the funeral.
3. The suspects story was not ________________ with what the evidence showed.
4. The teacher was quite ________________ about Eds story. She didnt see how it could be true.
5. The mayor has a ________________ mannerrather plain-spoken and abrupt.
6. He refused to enter that small, enclosed space. He must have had some kind of ________________
about it.
7. The tiger was in quite a state of ________________snarling, snapping, and lunging at the keeper.
8. Fortunately, the general thought of a clever ________________ that completely fooled the enemy.
9. ________________ is an emotion we dont always see in convicted criminals, but Jones seemed to
be really sorry.
10. My friends all began to ________________ me until they realized I had never given away the secret
C. Vocabulary Challenge
Look at the following words and their meanings. Then for each word write a
sentence that uses the word and includes a context clue to its meaning.
1. morsel
small bite or portion of food
____________________________________________________________________________________
2. jovial
full of hearty good humor
____________________________________________________________________________________
3. languish
become weak; fail in health
____________________________________________________________________________________
4. wary
cautious; on ones guard
____________________________________________________________________________________
5. allege
declare, especially without proof
____________________________________________________________________________________
6 VOCABULARY
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