Name:_____________________ Date:________

Aim: Use comparison context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Comparison Clues

1. Mom demonstrated how to do the math problem just as the teacher had shown us in school.

Using the comparison clue, the word demonstrated in this sentence means
stole
showed
got wrong
mixed up

2. We shopped at the emporium, which is as large as the shopping center, for shampoo and bath
soap.

Using the comparison clue, the word emporium in this sentence means
bathroom
large store
amusement park
library

3. Home is supposed to be a haven for children, just as hospitals are a safe place, but some
homes aren't safe.

Using the comparison clue, the word haven in this sentence means
house
safe place
building
carpet

4. The well-known painter's masterpiece was like no other art piece I had ever seen.

Using the comparison clue, the word masterpiece in this sentence means
blanket
mess
work of art
paintbrush

5. I was elated to see her, as if she were the best gift I ever got.

Using the comparison clue, the word elated in this sentence means
sad
unhappy
happy
unexcited

6. Joey had much adversity in his young life. He got through the trouble by working hard.

Using the comparison clue, the word adversity in this sentence means
luck
hardship
blessing
fortune


Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Use comparison context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Comparison Clues

7. Tina used a parasol, which is like an umbrella, to block the sun.

Using the comparison clue, the word parasol in this sentence means
beach towel
umbrella to block the sun
sunscreen
raincoat

8. We were so spellbound at the talent of the singer that we could not hold back our
amazement.

Using the comparison clue, the word spellbound in this sentence means
ashamed
disgusted
amazed
happy

9. Our driveway was gelid yesterday, just like the ice in the freezer, but it has thawed out since
then.

Using the comparison clue, the word gelid in this sentence means
icy
hot
hard
cracked

10. My dog was devoted, as if he were my best friend.

Using the comparison clue, the word devoted in this sentence means
faithful or loving
hated
unloving


11. She said that running the short race was as rigorous as running around the world.

Using the comparison clue, the word rigorous in this sentence means
exciting
hard or difficult
tiring
fun

12. Ike had insomnia for many nights, but he was finally able to fall asleep.

Using the comparison clue, the word insomnia in this sentence means
the flu
pillow
exam
sleeplessness






Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Use comparison context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Comparison Clues

1. The husband was eminent in the field of medicine while the wife was famous in the field of
math.

Using the comparison clue, the word eminent in this sentence means
not famous
unknown
nobody
famous

2. When the boys were confronted about cheating on the test, Max was nonchalant and Garth
also appeared cool.

Using the comparison clue, the word nonchalant in this sentence means
not confident
cool
upset
uncool

3. On her wedding day, Mary looked like a pulchritudinous movie star walking down the red
carpet.

Using the comparison clue, the word pulchritudinous in this sentence means
hideous
beautiful
unattractive
ugly

4. He was stymied over the difficult math problem as if it were a matter of life and death.

Using the comparison clue, the word stymied in this sentence means
frustrated
encouraged
supported


5. Brandon gave no intimation of the surprise party he was planning. His sister had no idea that
all her friends had gathered for her birthday.

Using the comparison clue, the word intimation in this sentence means
oppress
oppose
dampen
hint

6. Tina was hired surreptitiously, just as Dennis got his job secretly.

Using the comparison clue, the word surreptitiously in this sentence means
secretly
easily seen
out in the open
not secret


Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Use comparison context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Comparison Clues

7. The unsubstantial story was as if she were retelling a dream.

Using the comparison clue, the word unsubstantial in this sentence means
true
realistic
unreal


8. We almost collided with the bus, but it moved just in time for us to miss it.

Using the comparison clue, the word collided in this sentence means
conflicted
drove around
crashed into
ran

9. Although the cabinet was ligneous, it wasn't made with real wood.

Using the comparison clue, the word ligneous in this sentence means
brown
native
empty
wood-like

10. Amanda is such an avid reader that she is enthusiastic about any new book that is written.

Using the comparison clue, the word avid in this sentence means
essay
mad
pounce
enthusiastic

11. Jill's capricious behavior shows up when she speaks out of turn.

Using the comparison clue, the word capricious in this sentence means
stable
careless
careful
steady

12. An emollient was used to soothe the burns on the firefighter's arm. The special lotion was
known for its healing properties.

Using the comparison clue, the word emollient in this sentence means
irritant
residue
salve
sediment






Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Use comparison context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Comparison Clues

1. Ian's favorite avocation was to play the violin. It was his first source of amusement whenever
he had some free time.

Using the comparison clue, the word avocation in this sentence means
career
job
hobby
trade

2. The camaraderie in the class made it feel like a big family.

Using the comparison clue, the word camaraderie in this sentence means
resentment
anger
friendliness or kindness
unkindness

3. This story is fictitious, just as the other's stories were made up, as well.

Using the comparison clue, the word fictitious in this sentence means
true
factual
nonfictitious
imagined

4. The unsubstantial story was as if she were retelling a dream.

Using the comparison clue, the word unsubstantial in this sentence means
unreal
true
realistic


5. After moving from the city, it was difficult for Carlos to adjust to living in a rural
community. He had a hard time understanding the local jargon. To him, everyone was
speaking a foreign language.

Using the comparison clue, the word jargon in this sentence means
slang
clear thinking
clear speech
familiar words

6. After being unable to get a good night's sleep for many days, Allyson became lethargic. She
didn't have the energy to get out of bed.

Using the comparison clue, the word lethargic in this sentence means
lively
exhausted
active
bubbly


Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Use comparison context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Comparison Clues

7. Jill's capricious behavior shows up when she speaks out of turn.

Using the comparison clue, the word capricious in this sentence means
steady
careful
stable
careless

8. The con artist hoodwinked Mom and Dad. They thought they were getting new windows for
our home. Instead, they had their credit card information stolen.

Using the comparison clue, the word hoodwinked in this sentence means
enhanced
improved
deceived
gifted

9. Connor decided to matriculate at the local community college. He wanted to begin to pursue
a degree at the school.

Using the comparison clue, the word matriculate in this sentence means
abandon
resign
enroll
quit

10. I don't begrudge anyone who has to clean a large house, but I do envy someone who has a
small house to clean.

Using the comparison clue, the word begrudge in this sentence means
hate
envy
quote
like

11. The first performer couldn't capture the attention of the audience, but the second singer
captivated them.

Using the comparison clue, the word captivated in this sentence means
lost
disillusioned
disappointed
captured

12. The girls languidly put on their jackets as if they had no energy at all.

Using the comparison clue, the word languidly in this sentence means
quickly
actively
energetically
energy-less




Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Use comparison context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Comparison Clues

1. I don't begrudge anyone who has to clean a large house, but I do envy someone who has a
small house to clean.

Using the comparison clue, the word begrudge in this sentence means
hate
envy
like
quote

2. Jill's capricious behavior shows up when she speaks out of turn.

Using the comparison clue, the word capricious in this sentence means
steady
careful
careless
stable

3. Some people feel perplexed by brain teasers, while others figure them out quickly.

Using the comparison clue, the word perplexed in this sentence means
relaxed
troubled or confused
at ease
calm

4. The twins were both crying at the same time so Mom tried to soothe one while Dad tried to
mollify the other.

Using the comparison clue, the word mollify in this sentence means
soothe
make sad
worry
upset

5. The bullfighter walked with a sense of bravado, as if he were bragging about how great he
was.

Using the comparison clue, the word bravado in this sentence means
weakness
cowardly
restraint
boasting or bragging

6. The girls languidly put on their jackets as if they had no energy at all.

Using the comparison clue, the word languidly in this sentence means
energetically
quickly
energy-less
actively


Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Use comparison context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Comparison Clues

7. The husband was eminent in the field of medicine while the wife was famous in the field of
math.

Using the comparison clue, the word eminent in this sentence means
unknown
famous
not famous
nobody

8. After being unable to get a good night's sleep for many days, Allyson became lethargic. She
didn't have the energy to get out of bed.

Using the comparison clue, the word lethargic in this sentence means
bubbly
lively
active
exhausted

9. The mother was determined to prove her son's innocence; the father was resolute as well.

Using the comparison clue, the word resolute in this sentence means
wavering
determined
unsure
not determined

10. Tina was hired surreptitiously, just as Dennis got his job secretly.

Using the comparison clue, the word surreptitiously in this sentence means
out in the open
not secret
easily seen
secretly

11. After moving from the city, it was difficult for Carlos to adjust to living in a rural
community. He had a hard time understanding the local jargon. To him, everyone was
speaking a foreign language.

Using the comparison clue, the word jargon in this sentence means
familiar words
clear speech
clear thinking
slang

12. The unsubstantial story was as if she were retelling a dream.

Using the comparison clue, the word unsubstantial in this sentence means
unreal
realistic
true





Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Use comparison context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Comparison Clues

1. Although the city wanted to raze the old hotel, the citizens fought them, and the hotel was
saved from destruction.

Using the comparison clue, the word raze in this sentence means
destroy
lifted
raise
leave alone

2. If we don't collaborate on the plan, it will never work because too many of us won't work
together.

Using the comparison clue, the word collaborate in this sentence means
harm
friendly
work together
socialize

3. I don't begrudge anyone who has to clean a large house, but I do envy someone who has a
small house to clean.

Using the comparison clue, the word begrudge in this sentence means
like
quote
hate
envy

4. This story is fictitious, just as the other's stories were made up, as well.

Using the comparison clue, the word fictitious in this sentence means
nonfictitious
imagined
true
factual

5. The stars were obscured by the clouds, just as the moon was hidden by them, too.

Using the comparison clue, the word obscured in this sentence means
open
not hidden
clear
hidden

6. The bullfighter walked with a sense of bravado, as if he were bragging about how great he
was.

Using the comparison clue, the word bravado in this sentence means
boasting or bragging
cowardly
weakness
restraint


Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Use comparison context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Comparison Clues

7. He was stymied over the difficult math problem as if it were a matter of life and death.

Using the comparison clue, the word stymied in this sentence means
frustrated
supported
encouraged


8. An emollient was used to soothe the burns on the firefighter's arm. The special lotion was
known for its healing properties.

Using the comparison clue, the word emollient in this sentence means
salve
residue
sediment
irritant

9. After moving from the city, it was difficult for Carlos to adjust to living in a rural
community. He had a hard time understanding the local jargon. To him, everyone was
speaking a foreign language.

Using the comparison clue, the word jargon in this sentence means
clear thinking
slang
clear speech
familiar words

10. The twins were both crying at the same time so Mom tried to soothe one while Dad tried to
mollify the other.

Using the comparison clue, the word mollify in this sentence means
soothe
make sad
upset
worry

11. When Mother became ill and needed help, Grandma's visit turned out to be fortuitous.

Using the comparison clue, the word fortuitous in this sentence means
long
badly timed
unhelpful
well timed







Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Use comparison context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Comparison Clues

1. A noxious smell filled the building. The unpleasant odor made many people feel sick.

Using the comparison clue, the word noxious in this sentence means
pleasant
wonderful
fragrant
disgusting

2. Just as Paul's project disintegrated in the rain, so did Patrick's fall apart because of the
weather.

Using the comparison clue, the word disintegrated in this sentence means
changed
used
fell apart
blossomed

3. The bullfighter walked with a sense of bravado, as if he were bragging about how great he
was.

Using the comparison clue, the word bravado in this sentence means
weakness
cowardly
boasting or bragging
restraint

4. The con artist hoodwinked Mom and Dad. They thought they were getting new windows for
our home. Instead, they had their credit card information stolen.

Using the comparison clue, the word hoodwinked in this sentence means
gifted
deceived
enhanced
improved

5. Ian's favorite avocation was to play the violin. It was his first source of amusement whenever
he had some free time.

Using the comparison clue, the word avocation in this sentence means
job
trade
hobby
career

6. Tina was hired surreptitiously, just as Dennis got his job secretly.

Using the comparison clue, the word surreptitiously in this sentence means
out in the open
not secret
easily seen
secretly


Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Use comparison context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Comparison Clues

7. Instead of climbing into bed, she decided to take a nap on the chaise.

Using the comparison clue, the word chaise in this sentence means
floor
bed-like furniture
chair
sleeping bag

8. The girls languidly put on their jackets as if they had no energy at all.

Using the comparison clue, the word languidly in this sentence means
energy-less
energetically
actively
quickly

9. We put twenty dollars in the coffer, and the charitable woman took the money box to her
office.

Using the comparison clue, the word coffer in this sentence means
money box
plate
prairie
barrier

10. An emollient was used to soothe the burns on the firefighter's arm. The special lotion was
known for its healing properties.

Using the comparison clue, the word emollient in this sentence means
sediment
irritant
salve
residue

11. Brandon gave no intimation of the surprise party he was planning. His sister had no idea
that all her friends had gathered for her birthday.

Using the comparison clue, the word intimation in this sentence means
dampen
oppose
oppress
hint

12. We almost collided with the bus, but it moved just in time for us to miss it.

Using the comparison clue, the word collided in this sentence means
conflicted
crashed into
ran
drove around