Vocabulary in context
Vocabulary in context: work out the meaning a word has in this sentence, not just its most common meaning.
In this lesson you will
- Use context clues to find meaning
- Choose the meaning used in the passage
- Test answers by substitution
Learn
Questions ask: The word ‘X’ in the passage is closest in meaning to… Many words have several meanings; choose the one that fits this sentence.
Context clues: definitions (…, that is, …), examples (such as…), contrast (unlike…, but…), and cause/effect.
Substitution test: replace the word with each option — the correct one keeps the sentence’s meaning and grammar.
Common multi-meaning words: yield (produce / give way), sound (reliable / noise), mean (average / unkind / signify), bear (carry / tolerate), address (deal with / speak to).
Examples
- “The experiment yielded surprising results.” → produced.
- “The bridge is structurally sound.” → solid, safe.
- “The committee addressed the problem.” → dealt with.
Vocabulary
context
the words around a word
yield
produce; give way
sound (adj)
reliable, in good condition
substitute
put one thing in place of another
closest in meaning
most similar meaning
Practice
“The farm yields three tonnes of wheat a year.” yields =
Lesson quiz
“The speaker addressed the crowd.” addressed =
Review
Key points
- Meaning in this sentence.
- Context clues.
- Substitution test.
- Multi-meaning words.
What you learned
- ✓ I find meaning from context.
- ✓ I test answers by substitution.
- ✓ I know common multi-meaning words.