Context Clues 2.3 worksheet for students to determine word meanings using sentence context.

Let’s go through each sentence one by one. For each, I’ll figure out what the bolded word means based on clues in the sentence — like how it’s used or what other words are around it. Then I’ll write a simple definition and point out the clue that helped me.

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1. moderate

Sentence: *Jamie wants to keep the house spotless all of the time and Shannon is a total slob, but I am a bit more moderate about cleanliness.*

- Jamie = super clean (spotless)
- Shannon = very messy (slob)
- “I” = somewhere in between → not too extreme either way

→ So “moderate” here means not too much, not too little — just right or balanced.

Clue: The sentence compares three people — two extremes (very clean vs. very messy), and the speaker is “a bit more moderate,” meaning they’re in the middle.

Definition: Not extreme; reasonable or balanced
Clues: Comparing “spotless” and “total slob” shows extremes — “moderate” is the middle ground.

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2. uncivil

Sentence: *Ladies, please stop the name calling. There is no reason to act uncivil. Let's discuss the problem.*

- “Name calling” = being rude or mean
- “Stop the name calling” → implies acting badly
- “No reason to act uncivil” → suggests “uncivil” is bad behavior

→ So “uncivil” means rude, disrespectful, or not polite

Clue: “Name calling” is given as an example of uncivil behavior — so if you should stop it, then “uncivil” must be something negative like being rude.

Definition: Rude or disrespectful
Clues: “Name calling” is mentioned right before — it’s a form of uncivil behavior.

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3. audible

Sentence: *A dog whistle makes a high-pitched sound that is only audible to dogs.*

- Dog whistle = makes sound humans can’t hear
- Only dogs can hear it → so “audible” means “can be heard”

→ “Audible” = able to be heard

Clue: “Only audible to dogs” — since humans can’t hear it, but dogs can, “audible” must mean “hearable.”

Definition: Able to be heard
Clues: “Only... to dogs” tells us who can hear it — so “audible” relates to hearing.

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4. solemn

Sentence: *The mood in the church became very solemn when the bride began to walk down the aisle.*

- Church + bride walking down aisle = wedding ceremony
- Weddings often feel serious, respectful, emotional
- “Very solemn” describes the mood → probably quiet, serious, reverent

→ “Solemn” = serious, formal, not playful

Clue: Setting is a church during a wedding — usually a serious, respectful moment — so “solemn” fits that atmosphere.

Definition: Serious, formal, or dignified
Clues: Wedding in a church — typically a serious, respectful occasion.

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5. disdain

Sentence: *She gives me this look of disdain ever since I shot up her dolls with my BB gun.*

- Someone destroyed her dolls → she’s upset or angry
- “Look of disdain” = facial expression showing dislike or scorn
- Disdain = strong feeling of superiority or contempt

→ “Disdain” = looking down on someone, thinking they’re unworthy or annoying

Clue: She’s mad because he broke her dolls — so her “look” is likely one of disgust or contempt.

Definition: A feeling of deep dislike or contempt
Clues: He ruined her dolls — so her reaction (“look”) is negative and judgmental.

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6. constitute

Sentence: *The eight golden triangles that Link must collect constitute the Triforce, which can grant wishes when it is assembled.*

- Eight pieces → make up one whole thing (the Triforce)
- When assembled → they become the Triforce
- So “constitute” = make up, form, compose

→ “Constitute” = to be parts that together form a whole

Clue: “Eight golden triangles... constitute the Triforce” — and later says “when it is assembled” — so these pieces put together = the Triforce.

Definition: To make up or form something
Clues: The eight triangles come together to “be” the Triforce — so “constitute” means they form it.

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Final Answer:

1. Definition: Not extreme; reasonable or balanced
Clue: Compared to “spotless” and “total slob” — moderate is in the middle.

2. Definition: Rude or disrespectful
Clue: “Name calling” is given as an example of uncivil behavior.

3. Definition: Able to be heard
Clue: Sound is “only audible to dogs” — meaning only they can hear it.

4. Definition: Serious, formal, or dignified
Clue: Mood at a wedding in church — usually serious and respectful.

5. Definition: A feeling of deep dislike or contempt
Clue: She’s mad because he broke her dolls — her “look” shows scorn.

6. Definition: To make up or form something
Clue: Eight triangles “constitute” the Triforce — they form it when assembled.