Which definition matches the sentence?

Key Notes:

What is Context?

Words can have multiple meanings! The context of a sentence helps you figure out which meaning is the correct one.

Context means the surrounding words and sentences that give a word its specific meaning in that situation. Think of it as the clues around a word.

How to Choose the Right Definition

Follow these steps to pick the best definition:

1. Read the sentence carefully. What is the sentence about?
2. Identify the word with multiple meanings. This is usually the word you need to define.
3. Look at the surrounding words (the context!). What clues do they give you about the word’s meaning?
4. Think of different meanings for the word.
5. Try each meaning in the sentence. Does it make sense? Which meaning fits best with the context?

Examples

Example 1:

The bark of the dog was loud and startling.

Bark can mean:

• The outer covering of a tree.
• The sound a dog makes.

Which definition fits? The sentence is about a dog, so the bark is the sound a dog makes. The correct definition is the second one.

Example 2:

Please present your report to the class.

Present can mean:

• A gift.
• To show or give something to someone.

Which definition fits? The sentence is about giving a report to the class. So the present means to show or give something. The correct definition is the second one.

Time to Practice!

Choose the correct definition of the underlined word based on the sentence:

Exercise 1:

The baseball hit the window.

Hit can mean:

• To strike something.
• A popular song.

Which definition fits? ______________

Exercise 2:

I need to address the envelope before mailing it.

Address can mean:

• The location of a building.
• To write the destination on an envelope or package.

Which definition fits? ______________

Exercise 3:

She saw a bat flying in the cave.

Bat can mean:

• A nocturnal flying mammal.
• A piece of equipment used in sports.

Which definition fits? ______________

Answers:

Exercise 1: To strike something.
Exercise 2: To write the destination on an envelope or package.
Exercise 3: A nocturnal flying mammal.

Summary

Understanding words in context is a key skill. By carefully reading the sentence and looking for clues, you can determine the correct meaning of a word even if it has multiple definitions. Keep practicing, and you’ll become a context expert!

Let’s practice!🖊️