English Language Arts
Grade 4
15 min
Which definition matches the sentence?
Which definition matches the sentence?
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify a multiple-meaning word within a sentence.
Use context clues from the sentence to determine a word's intended meaning.
Select the correct definition for a word from a list of possible meanings.
Explain how surrounding words and phrases help clarify a word's meaning.
Create two different sentences that use two different meanings of the same word.
Match a given sentence to its corresponding dictionary definition for a specific word.
Can you wear a watch while you watch a movie? ⌚ How can one word mean two totally different things?
In this lesson, we will become word detectives! We'll learn about words that have more than one meaning and discover how to use clues in a sentence to figure out exactly which definition is the right one....
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Multiple-Meaning WordA single word that has more than one definition or meaning.The word 'bat' can mean a flying mammal or a piece of equipment used in baseball.
HomonymA specific type of multiple-meaning word that is spelled the same and sounds the same but has different meanings.'Left' can mean the direction opposite of right, or it can mean that someone went away ('He left the room').
Context CluesThe words, phrases, or sentences around a multiple-meaning word that help you figure out which meaning is being used.In the sentence, 'The seal balanced a ball on its nose,' the words 'balanced a ball' and 'nose' are clues that 'seal' is an animal, not something that closes a letter.
DefinitionThe exac...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
The Context Detective Rule
Read the entire sentence, not just the word itself. Look for other words that give you hints.
Use this rule first. The sentence almost always contains clues that point to the correct meaning. Ask yourself: 'What other words in this sentence are related to one of the definitions?'
The Substitution Rule
After you choose a definition, try replacing the word in the sentence with the definition's main idea.
Use this to double-check your answer. If the sentence still makes sense after you substitute the definition, you've probably found the right one. If it sounds silly, try another definition.
The Part of Speech Rule
Notice if the word is used as a noun (person, place, thing), a verb (action), or an adjective (describing word)....
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
Read the sentence: 'Since all students were present, the teacher could present the award.' Which definition matches the SECOND use of the word 'present'?
A.In a particular place; not absent
B.To give something to someone formally
C.gift
D.The period of time now occurring
Challenging
Read the sentence: 'The knight will charge into battle, but the store will charge you five dollars for that toy.' Which definition matches the FIRST use of the word 'charge'?
A.To rush forward in attack
B.To accuse someone of something, especially an offense
C.To ask an amount as a price for a service or goods
D.To restore electrical energy in a battery
Challenging
In the sentence, 'When my plan failed and I lost my keys, I found myself in a real jam,' which definition of 'jam' is being used?
A.sweet spread made from fruit
B.To push something forcefully into a tight space
C.difficult situation with no easy solution
D.large group of people or vehicles crowded together
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free