Context Clues

The United States has a vast amount of newly discovered clean geothermal (natural heat from the Earth's crust) energy. Tapping into this energy source could provide at least 10 times the energy that can be obtained from the nation's known coal reserves. What does "vast" mean?

a large amount

Mr. Huge was very proud of his auto superstore. "We have such an extensive selection of cars," he said, "so everyone should find a vehicle that he or she will love!" The word "extensive" means __________.

a large, diverse amount

I believe that if you lower taxes so that people can keep more of the money they earn, it will be an incentive for them to work harder. What is the meaning of "incentive"?

a reason to do something

The Saints and Strangers argued about how they would live in the New World. After much discussion, they came together and signed the Mayflower Compact. The Compact was _______.

an agreement

Your plan looks good. I hope it will really work. It's time to implement it and see if it's as brilliant as you claim. What does "implement" mean?

apply

Put this medicine on your arm and rub it into your skin until it's invisible. It will inhibit the infection's attempt to spread. What does "inhibit" mean?

block or slow down

A wonderful 98 year old woman is working day and night to knit scarves to send as gifts for the troops. What a selfless person she is! A selfless woman _______.

cares more about others than herself

Fortunately, the explosion diverted the asteroid from a course that would have sent it hurdling into our planet. To divert is to _______.

change the direction of

It's a wonder to me how anyone can still be undecided about this election. These two candidates are certainly distinct. Each would lead our nation in opposite directions. What does "distinct" mean?

clearly different

Fortunately, the dizzy spell was transient. He was able to continue playing within seconds and had no trouble winning the match. When you describe an event as "transient," you are saying that it __________.

doesn't last long

No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TVs and many other appliances come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous. Ubiquitous means

everywhere

The news story was based on a letter that was a fabrication. Now the reporter who wrote the story is in big trouble. Will anyone believe him again? A fabrication is __________.

fake

The original Pilgrims called themselves the "Saints" and referred to others who joined with them for the voyage as the "Strangers." In this context, "original" means _______.

first

In the early 1600s, a dangerous trip across the Atlantic Ocean was a daunting idea. The Europeans, who would someday be known as the Pilgrims, must have been a very determined and brave group of settlers. A daunting task is one that would _______ someone.

frighten or intimidate

The reporter insisted that the letter he used was authentic. He said that he had shown it to many experts before he used it in his story. When something is authentic, it's __________.

genuine, or real

Our new alarm system will wake up the entire neighborhood if an intruder gets in the house. An intruder is someone who intrudes. To intrude is to __________.

go where one is not wanted or doesn't belong

Christmas is a time when Dad reverts to his childhood. I really think he looks forward to Santa's visit more than any other member of the family. Mom says that he'll always be a child during this season. What does "reverts" mean in the above passage?

goes back to being what he was

Wherever he goes, the esteemed Dr. Sanchez is applauded for his life saving research. What does "esteemed" mean?

greatly admired

Some people are sure that the new health care law will mean better care for everyone. Others argue that the law will mean less care and longer waiting lines for those who need to see doctors. It's a controversy that will not go away soon. A controversy is something that people _______.

have strong disagreements over

Your cousin claimed to be late because the doors of his house were frozen shut. Even though I have my doubts, his explanation is plausible. It got really cold last night. I'll just have to take his word for it. If a statement is plausible, __________.

it's believable enough to possibly be true

When the Pilgrims landed in what is now Massachusetts, they were fearful that the Native Americans would attack them. However, the people that they encountered, the Wampanoag Indians, were a peaceful and generous tribe. To encounter, is to _______.

meet

Using IQ tests and MRI brain scans, researchers have found that the measurable intelligence of teenagers can rise and fall over time. We used to believe that intelligence was static. But now, because of new studies, we know that teens and even fully mature adults can grow more brain cells when needed. What does "static" mean?

not changing

As the summer sun sent scattered rays through the maple and oak leaves overhead, the young deer stood frozen, making it almost impossible for the hikers to see her. In the above passage, the word "frozen" means _______.

not moving

It's not that I'm unfriendly, but sometimes I want to leave society behind and be alone for awhile. What does "society" mean?

people living as members of a group

If you don't curtail your spending, you'll be broke in no time at all! Which word is a synonym of "curtail"?

reduce

No word must ever leak out about this military action! It has to be a clandestine operation in order to succeed. Which word is a synonym of "clandestine"?

secret

Some people are always bashing the president just like others bashed the one before him. Wouldn't you think that everyone could find something to praise him for, at least once in a while? What does "bashing" mean in the above selection?

speaking or writing harshly about

The United States has a vast amount of newly discovered clean geothermal (natural heat from the Earth's crust) energy. Tapping into this energy source could provide at least 10 times the energy that can be obtained from the nation's known coal reserves. What does "reserves" mean?

supplies that are available to be used

Most of America's Founding Fathers did not believe in women's suffrage. Only men could vote in the United states until 1920. What is "suffrage"?

the right to vote

Speaking rudely to the judges was rash behavior. You really hurt your chances of winning! In the above context, what does "rash" mean?

with little thought or consideration

Those scientists want to hear what our professor thinks about their theory because he is the foremost expert in their field. What does "foremost" mean?

The first or main one