Using Definitions and Examples Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.4.4.A

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

When we are writing we often present the reader with a simplified definition of a word, phrase, or concept. This is used to provide the reader with a foundation to build off of. Many times the definition is fully clear and we need to provide more substance for a reader. This can be achieved by using an example that directly relates to what we are focused on. These worksheets will help students begin to learn how to give life to a standard definition through the use of examples.

Definitions and Examples Worksheets To Print:

Down on the Farm – Find the word that fits each sentence and define how it is used in context.

World's Most Venomous! – Use the paragraph to help you answer all of these.

Miranda's Dream – These are some pretty big words the reading will help you understand the meanings.

Pythagoras: Greek Mathematician – Look at all the things that Pythagoras had pondered.

Wooly Mammoths: Extinct or not? – This is a longer passage that requires some reading stamina.

A Bad Day for Babette – Context clues are words in the sentence that help you figure out the meaning of a difficult word that you do not know.

Arlington National Cemetery – Read the paragraph. Use context clues in the sentences to determine the meaning of the underlined words. Then match each word with its correct meaning.

Using Sentences for Context – There is a word underlined in each sentence below. Read the sentence. Then, using a dictionary, look up the word.

The Dancing Monkeys – Some of the words are underlined. Use context clues to determine the meaning of the underlined word. Write what you think each word means and the clue you used to figure it out in the box below

Words with Multiple Meanings – Use the selections from the dictionary below to find a meaning that fits the context of each underlined word. Write the number of the meaning on the line.

Understanding Idioms – Use context (the other words in the sentence) to figure out the meaning of each underlined phrase. Write the meaning on the line.

Multiple Meanings – Sometimes the same word can have two or more different meanings. Two meanings are provided for each word. Use context clues from the sentences to decide which meaning applies.

Using Context Clues – Read the sentences. Then study the dictionary entry to find a meaning that fits the context of each instance of the word "pan". Write the number of the meaning that you choose inside the pan.

Determining Meaning through Context – Choose the correct definition for the word, based on the context of the sentence. Write the definition on the line.

The U.S. Botanical Gardens – Choose a bold word from the word bank to fill in the blank. Circle the meaning of the bold word in the Word Bank, based on the context of the sentence.

How to Use Context Clues?


There are certain times when you come across a word that you do not know the meaning of. This situation can come as a hindrance in the way of understanding the context and meaning of the text. However, the author puts context clues in the text to help you figure out the meaning of that word all by yourself. This is because people don't always have access to a dictionary. This is the reason why context clues can be very helpful in decoding the meaning of a difficult word. Here are some ways in which you can use context clues.


Synonyms and Antonyms


One of the biggest context clues that an author provides in a text is synonyms and antonyms. Synonyms refer to words that have the same meaning, but different spelling and pronunciations. On the other hand, antonyms are opposite of synonyms. They refer to words that have completely opposite meanings. In case you get stuck on a word, look for nearby synonyms or antonyms. If there is any word that is placed exactly near the difficult word and separated by the conjunction, then that word is a synonym. However, if the word is used to separate both words, then it is an antonym. You can use this trick to find out the meaning of the difficult word.


Definitions


Another type of context clue that the author provides is the definition and explanation. Sometimes a brief description and explanation is mentioned right after the difficult word. All you need is to smartly recognize the definition and you will know your answer.


Inference


Sometimes there are no specific context clues in the text. You have to guess the meaning of the word through your intelligence and help of the text. These are general context clues. You can reread the sentence and try to understand what it is referring to. Once you have decoded the meaning of the entire sentence, it will be easier to understand what the word could mean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Down on the Farm Preview