Context Clues Book Quiz Questions
Determine the meaning of a word using the clues provided in the sentence.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
We could tell by the rotten smell, that something putrid was in our trash can. In this sentence, the word putrid means
- A.
Alive
- B.
Rotten
- C.
Ample
- D.
Appealing
Correct Answer
B. RottenExplanation
In this sentence, the word "putrid" is used to describe the smell coming from the trash can. The context of the sentence suggests that the smell is unpleasant and foul, indicating that something in the trash can is decaying or decomposing. Therefore, the word "putrid" means rotten.Rate this question:
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- 2.
We should be careful not to ostracize those who are different from us. It is much better for all if we are welcoming to everyone. In this sentence, the word ostracize means
- A.
Embrace
- B.
Include
- C.
Welcome
- D.
Exclude
Correct Answer
D. ExcludeExplanation
The word "ostracize" means to exclude or reject someone from a group or society. In the given context, the sentence emphasizes the importance of not excluding or rejecting those who are different from us. Therefore, the correct answer is "exclude."Rate this question:
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- 3.
The man who lives next door spoke brusquely to the young children, unlike his wife who is always polite. In this sentence, the word brusquely means
- A.
Courteously
- B.
Kindly
- C.
Calmly
- D.
Impolitely
Correct Answer
D. ImpolitelyExplanation
In this sentence, the word "brusquely" means impolitely. This can be inferred from the contrast between the man's behavior towards the young children and his wife's behavior, who is always polite. The use of the word "unlike" suggests that the man's manner of speaking is different from his wife's, indicating that he is not polite but rather impolite.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Kayla indulges her daughter in many ways - buying her everything she asks for, taking her everywhere she wants to go, and letting her do whatever she wants. In this sentence, the word indulges means
- A.
Hurts
- B.
Punishes
- C.
Takes away
- D.
Spoils
Correct Answer
D. SpoilsExplanation
In this sentence, the word "indulges" means spoils. This means that Kayla excessively satisfies her daughter's desires and whims, buying her everything she asks for, taking her everywhere she wants to go, and allowing her to do whatever she wants. This behavior implies that Kayla is overly permissive and does not set boundaries or discipline her daughter.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Although finding a penny is said to bring you luck, walking under a ladder can be inauspicious. In this sentence, the word inauspicious means
- A.
Revolting
- B.
Exhausting
- C.
Unlucky
- D.
Exploring
Correct Answer
C. UnluckyExplanation
The word "inauspicious" means unlucky. In the given sentence, it is mentioned that walking under a ladder can be inauspicious, implying that it can bring bad luck.Rate this question:
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- 6.
No repairs were needed for the old car because it was in impeccable condition. In this sentence, the word impeccable means
- A.
Horrible
- B.
Bad
- C.
Perfect
- D.
Imperfect
Correct Answer
C. PerfectExplanation
The word "impeccable" means flawless or without any faults. In the given sentence, it is mentioned that no repairs were needed for the old car because it was in impeccable condition. This implies that the car was in perfect condition, without any flaws or imperfections, and therefore did not require any repairs.Rate this question:
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- 7.
After being ill and unable to eat for three days, Beverly had a voracious appetite. In this sentence, the word voracious means
- A.
Small
- B.
Satisfied
- C.
Big
- D.
Quenched
Correct Answer
C. BigExplanation
In the given sentence, it is mentioned that Beverly had a voracious appetite after being ill and unable to eat for three days. The word "voracious" is used to describe an intense or insatiable hunger or appetite. Therefore, in this context, "voracious" means big or large, indicating that Beverly had a strong and ravenous appetite.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The children in the science class worked together as a team. The great synergy that was created made the project a huge success. In this sentence, the word synergy means
- A.
Conflict
- B.
Teamwork
- C.
Friction
- D.
Chaos
Correct Answer
B. TeamworkExplanation
The word "synergy" refers to the combined effort or cooperation of individuals working together towards a common goal. In the given sentence, it states that the children in the science class worked together as a team and created great synergy, which ultimately led to the success of the project. Therefore, the correct answer is "teamwork."Rate this question:
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- 9.
Debilitating illnesses include Lou Gehrig's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. In this sentence, the word debilitating means
- A.
Strengthening
- B.
Weakening
- C.
Improving
- D.
Energizing
Correct Answer
B. WeakeningExplanation
The word "debilitating" is used to describe illnesses such as Lou Gehrig's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. These illnesses are known to weaken a person's physical and mental health, causing significant impairment and reducing their overall strength and vitality. Therefore, the correct answer is "weakening."Rate this question:
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- 10.
The worshippers congregated, or gathered, for the church service. In this sentence, the word congregated means
- A.
Went away
- B.
Dispersed
- C.
Gathered
- D.
Left
Correct Answer
C. GatheredExplanation
The word "congregated" means that the worshippers came together or gathered for the church service. It implies that they assembled in one place for a common purpose, in this case, to attend the service. Therefore, the correct answer is "gathered".Rate this question:
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- 11.
Projectiles include those items that are shot forward such as a cannon shell, bullet, or rocket. In this sentence, the word projectiles means
- A.
Things put down
- B.
Things shot forward
- C.
Things broken
- D.
Things hurt
Correct Answer
B. Things shot forwardExplanation
In this sentence, the word "projectiles" refers to items that are shot forward, such as a cannon shell, bullet, or rocket. It implies objects that are propelled or launched in a specific direction, typically with force or velocity.Rate this question:
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- 12.
We almost collided with the bus, but it moved just in time for us to miss it. In this sentence, the word collided means
- A.
Drove around
- B.
Conflicted
- C.
Ran
- D.
Crashed into
Correct Answer
D. Crashed intoExplanation
The word "collided" in this sentence means that there was a potential accident or impact between the subject and the bus. It implies that the two objects came into contact forcefully, suggesting a collision or crash.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Brandon gave no intimation of the surprise party he was planning. His sister had no idea that all her friends had gathered for her birthday. In this sentence, the word intimation means
- A.
Hint
- B.
Oppose
- C.
Oppress
- D.
Dampen
Correct Answer
A. HintExplanation
In this sentence, the word "intimation" means a hint. It suggests that Brandon did not give any indication or clue about the surprise party he was planning, which means he did not hint or give any subtle suggestion about it. Therefore, "hint" is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Honesty is the best policy because being fraudulent can get you in big trouble with your parents. In this sentence, the word fraudulent means
- A.
Focused
- B.
Pure
- C.
Dishonest
- D.
Sassy
Correct Answer
C. DishonestExplanation
The correct answer is "dishonest." In the given sentence, it is stated that being fraudulent can get you in big trouble with your parents. This implies that being fraudulent means being dishonest, as dishonesty can lead to negative consequences.Rate this question:
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- 15.
John was meticulous in his work as an artist. He took great pains to be detailed, precise, and thorough with all of his paintings. In this sentence, the word meticulous means
- A.
Sloppy
- B.
Careful
- C.
Messy
- D.
Casual
Correct Answer
B. CarefulExplanation
The word "meticulous" means being extremely careful and precise in one's work. This is evident in the sentence where it describes John's approach to his work as an artist. He takes great pains to ensure that his paintings are detailed, precise, and thorough, indicating that he is very careful in his artistic process.Rate this question:
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- 16.
I felt sorry for the poor pathetic dog after he was dropped off along the road in the rain. In this sentence, the word pathetic means
- A.
Happy
- B.
Cheerful
- C.
Sad
- D.
Joyful
Correct Answer
C. SadExplanation
In this sentence, the word "pathetic" is used to describe the dog. The context suggests that the dog's situation is pitiful or distressing. Therefore, the word "pathetic" means sad.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Mr. Pope's decision to make our lunches shorter will incense, or anger, a lot of people in our department. In this sentence, the word incense means
- A.
Anger
- B.
Survive
- C.
Excite
- D.
Loyal
Correct Answer
A. AngerExplanation
The word "incense" in this sentence means to anger. This suggests that Mr. Pope's decision to make lunches shorter will cause a lot of people in the department to become angry.Rate this question:
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- 18.
I know that Jeff is smart, so I was confused when he did such a vacuous thing as to jump off the roof of our house. In this sentence, the word vacuous means
- A.
Annoying
- B.
Cowardly
- C.
Stupid
- D.
Outstanding
Correct Answer
C. StupidExplanation
The word "vacuous" means lacking intelligence or thoughtfulness. In this context, the speaker is expressing confusion because they know Jeff to be smart, yet he did something foolish or lacking in intelligence by jumping off the roof. Therefore, the correct answer is "stupid."Rate this question:
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- 19.
Kara was an astute learner and did very well her music theory classes. Her sister, Mary, found music theory difficult and felt foolish being in the class. In this sentence, the word astute means
- A.
Sharp
- B.
Foolish
- C.
Dull
- D.
Unwise
Correct Answer
A. SharpExplanation
In this sentence, the word "astute" means sharp. This is because the sentence states that Kara was an astute learner and did very well in her music theory classes, implying that she was intelligent and quick to understand the subject. Therefore, "sharp" is the most appropriate synonym for "astute" in this context.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The omnipotent superhero always won his battles, unlike his weak opponents. In this sentence, the word omnipotent means
- A.
Powerless
- B.
Weak
- C.
All powerful
- D.
Small
Correct Answer
C. All powerfulExplanation
In this sentence, the word "omnipotent" means all powerful. The sentence states that the superhero always won his battles, unlike his weak opponents. This implies that the superhero possesses great power and is able to overcome any opposition. Therefore, "all powerful" is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 21.
In the play, the actor was spirited but the other actor was almost inanimate. In this sentence, the word inanimate means
- A.
Animate
- B.
Spirited
- C.
Spiritless
- D.
Full of life
Correct Answer
C. SpiritlessExplanation
The word "inanimate" means lacking energy or vitality. In the given sentence, it is mentioned that one actor was spirited while the other was almost inanimate, suggesting that the second actor lacked enthusiasm or liveliness. Therefore, "spiritless" is the correct answer as it best captures the meaning of "inanimate" in this context.Rate this question:
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- 22.
A lass, such as my little sister, likes to play with dolls and have tea parties. In this sentence, the word lass means
- A.
Young boy
- B.
Young girl
- C.
Small dog
- D.
Old lady
Correct Answer
B. Young girlExplanation
In this sentence, the word "lass" refers to a young girl. This is evident from the context provided, where the speaker mentions their little sister who enjoys playing with dolls and having tea parties. The word "lass" is commonly used to describe a young girl or a female child.Rate this question:
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- 23.
My younger sister can be an irritating nuisance when I am doing my homework. In this sentence, the word nuisance means
- A.
Annoyance
- B.
Delight
- C.
Pleasure
- D.
Help
Correct Answer
A. AnnoyanceExplanation
In this sentence, the word "nuisance" refers to something or someone that causes annoyance or irritation. It implies that the speaker's younger sister can be bothersome and distracting while they are trying to concentrate on their homework.Rate this question:
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- 24.
After hearing the beautiful orchestra play, other bands sound completely cacophonous. In this sentence, the word cacophonous means
- A.
Harmonious
- B.
Sweet sounding
- C.
Harsh or unmusical
- D.
Musical
Correct Answer
C. Harsh or unmusicalExplanation
The word "cacophonous" is used to describe something that is harsh or unmusical in sound. In the given sentence, it is mentioned that after hearing the beautiful orchestra play, other bands sound completely cacophonous. This means that compared to the beautiful and harmonious sound of the orchestra, other bands sound harsh or unmusical. Therefore, the correct answer is "harsh or unmusical".Rate this question:
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- 25.
The magnanimous crowd stood up for what they believed, but the others were too afraid. In this sentence, the word magnanimous means
- A.
Brief
- B.
Instant
- C.
Heroic
- D.
Identical
Correct Answer
C. HeroicExplanation
In this sentence, the word "magnanimous" means heroic. This is because the sentence describes a crowd that stood up for what they believed in, showing great courage and generosity. The word "magnanimous" is often used to describe someone who is noble, generous, and willing to help others, which aligns with the heroic actions of the crowd in this context.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Bobby had a mishap when he fell out of the tree, but the accident didn't hurt him too badly. In this sentence, the word mishap means
- A.
Branch
- B.
Accident
- C.
Event
- D.
Confession
Correct Answer
B. AccidentExplanation
In this sentence, the word "mishap" means accident. It refers to an unfortunate incident or event that occurred when Bobby fell out of the tree. The word "mishap" suggests that while the accident happened, Bobby was not seriously injured.Rate this question:
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Feb 09, 2009Quiz Created by
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