Chapter 4- Lesson 1, How to Use Context to Determine the Meaning of Words

The word 'authenticity' is the antonym of the word 'spurious' in the following sentence. Why? 'The spurious accusations of the disgusting liar will be proven false since they completely lack authenticity.'

Because it has the opposite meaning An antonym is a word that means the opposite.

'Cheap posters' and 'economy hatchback car' are examples that define which word in the following sentence? 'Even though he says he likes ornate artwork, extravagant clothes, and immoderate cars, Tom is so frugal that he hangs cheap posters on his walls and drives an economy hatchback car.'

Frugal Both point to the fact that Tom dislikes spending money.

In the following sentence, which word serves as a definition of 'transient'? 'Her transient thoughts of quitting her dead-end job are fleeting, lasting only as long as the weekly meeting she abhors.'

Fleeting Transient can best be described as not lasting, or fleeting.

Which word could be substituted for 'querulous' in the following sentence? 'The querulous child I babysit just won't stop bothering me until I let him play video games.'

Complaining It is clearly understandable that the word has a negative connotation, as pestering or complaining.

Which of the following sentences has a synonym for 'inconsistent'?

The capricious winds today are shifting so much that our kite flying adventure may be doomed to fail.' Capricious is a synonym for inconsistent.