1. Determine Meaning of Words
AHSGE Objective IV-1
Determine Meaning
of Words
Dr. Patrick Cain
SEHS Assistant Principal
Elmore County Schools
Mrs. Julie Turner
School Improvement Specialist
Dothan City Schools

2. When you read, you can use context clues to determine the meaning of words you do not know.
The words, phrases, and sentences surrounding the unfamiliar word provide clues to the word’s meaning.

3. Context Clues
There are several types of context clues that can help you determine a word’s meaning.

4. Emulsify and blend are synonyms.
The recipe says to emulsify the lemon juice, vinegar, and oil by blending them.
Emulsify and blend are synonyms.
The word emulsify means to mix different substances together.

5. The man was especially churlish, but his wife was extremely polite.
Antonyms
The man was especially churlish, but his wife was extremely polite.
Churlish and polite are antonyms.
The word churlish means rude or unpleasant.

6. Matthew made an effort at school. (cause)
Cause and Effect
Matthew got all A’s on his report card, so he wasn’t surprised when his mom acceded to his request to go to the concert.
Matthew made an effort at school. (cause)
His mom will agree to give him special privileges. (effect)
The word acceded means to give permission.

7. The word chimera is a figment or creation of the imagination.
Compare and Contrast
When I was a small child, I was terrified of a monster under my bed, but now I realize that was merely a chimera.
Children have great imaginations and fears, while grownups are more rational. (contrast)
The word chimera is a figment or creation of the imagination.

8. Word Parts (prefixes, suffixes, roots)
After I finished my story, he had an incredulous look on his face.
The prefix in- means “not.” The Latin root cred means “believe.”
The word incredulous means not able to believe or trust.

9. Read the following story. Indian Summer
Notkikad worked hard for his
family. He cultivated his
gardens and always gave
thanks for each year’s harvest
to Tabaldak, the Master of
life. One year a late frost killed
his crops.

10. Undeterred, he planted
again, but a drought came
and his crops died of thirst.
He planted a third time, but
it was so late that the
autumn cold killed his
plants again.

11. Notkikad’s wife and children
had gathered some foods
from the forest, but it was
not enough to last the winter.
So he begged Tabaldak for
help.

12. That night, Tabaldak
came to Notkikad in a
dream, telling him, “I
give you these seeds
and a special season for
planting.”

13. Notkikad found the seeds beside him, and he discovered the
When he awoke,
Notkikad found the
seeds beside him, and
he discovered the
autumn weather had
turned summer-like.

14. Notkikad and his
Family planted the
seeds and within a few
days, the plants were
ready for harvest.

15. The day after Notkikad
had collected the crops
and stored them, the
cold winds returned, and
the special season
ended.

16. We are still often granted this
special season, which we call
Indian Summer. It is not only
a time of respite when the
brisk autumn winds temporarily
let up and provide a break from
the cold, but also a time to give
thanks.

17. Answer the following questions.
What is the meaning of the word undeterred as it is used in the story?
A. Discouraged
B. Determined
C. Frightened
D. content

18. What is the meaning of the word undeterred as it is used in the story?
A. Discouraged
B. Determined
C. Frightened
D. content

19. Read the following sentence from the story.
It is not only a time of respite when the brisk winds of autumn temporarily let up and provide a break from the cold, but also a time to give thanks.

20. What does the word
respite mean as it is used
here?
A. Lull
B. Restless
C. Celebration
D. gratification

21. What does the word
respite mean as it is used
here?
A. Lull
B. Restless
C. Celebration
D. gratification