what is meaning of the word “monotonous” in this sentence? mr. emerson’s monotonous droning...
DESCRIPTION
When you come across a word you don’t know, you can figure out its meaning from other words in the sentence or passage. This is called context clues.TRANSCRIPT
CONTEXT CLUES
What is meaning of the word “monotonous” in this sentence?
Mr. Emerson’s monotonous droning put half the health education class asleep.
Definition:Dull, lacking variety or interest.
When you come across a word you don’t know, you can figure out its meaning from other words in the sentence or passage.This is called context clues.
When you come to a word you don’t know…
Look for a synonym!
Sara had an ominous feeling when she woke up, but the feeling was less threatening when she saw she was in her own room.
(An ominous feeling is a threatening one.)
When you come to a word you don’t know…
Look for an antonym!
Boniface had always been quite heavy, but he looked gaunt when he returned from the hospital.
(Gaunt is the opposite of heavy.)
When you come to a word you don’t know…
Look for a comparison or contrast!
Riding a mountain bike in a remote area is my idea of a great day. I wonder why some people like to ride motorcycle on busy six-lane highways.
(Busy is in contrast to a remote area.)
When you come to a word you don’t know…
Look for a definition or description!
Manatees, large aquatic animals (sometimes called sea cows), can be found in the warm coastal waters of Florida.
(An aquatic mammal is one that lives in water.)
When you come to a word you don’t know…
Look for a cause and effect relationship!
The amount of traffic at 6th and Main doubled last year, so crossing lights were placed at that corner to avert an accident.
(Avert means to prevent.)
Recap Look for:
SynonymsAntonymsComparison or ContrastDefinition or DescriptionCause and Effect Relationships
Practice examplesMost people thought that Jay’s newspaper column was trite, but I thought that it was really original.What does trite mean?
A) Unusual
B) Unoriginal
C) Boring
D) Fun to read
Answer: B. Unoriginal
Practice examplesThe milliner’s shop displayed all of her recent creations. There were berets, dress hats, informal caps, and even a cowgirl hat.What does milliner mean?
A) A member of the Chamber of Commerce
B) A small shopkeeper
C) A seller of women’s clothing
D) A maker of women’s hats
Answer: D. A maker of women’s hats
Practice examplesIt is implausible that there is life on Venus. The idea that there might currently be life on Mars is also unlikely.What does implausible mean?
A) likely
B) definite
C) unlikely
D) possible
Answer: C. Unlikely
Practice examplesDavid was a very belligerent boy; he was always getting into arguments.What does belligerent mean?
A) angry
B) numb
C) kind
D) crooked
Answer: A. Angry
Practice examplesBadger was a clever, wily old character. He was always tricking people into doing what he wanted them to do and pulling fast ones on all the villagers.What does wily mean?
A) cute
B) tricky
C) rich
D) trusting
Answer: B. Tricky