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Vocabulary in Context and Word Meaning
Vocabulary in Context means figuring out what a word means by looking at the surrounding sentences—not by memorizing a dictionary definition.
On the ACT, they’re testing whether you can read carefully and use clues from the passage.
The Three Types of Context Clues
1. Definition Clues The passage literally tells you what the word means.
• “The protagonist was sanguine, or optimistic, about her chances.”
2. Contrast Clues The passage shows what the word is NOT.
• “Unlike his gregarious brother, Marcus was withdrawn.”
3. Example Clues The passage gives examples showing what the word means.
• “The coach’s acerbic comments—sarcastic jokes, cutting remarks”
The Golden Rule
Don’t guess in isolation. Plug it into the sentence and ask: “Does this make sense?”
Practice: Vocabulary in Context
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Concept: Vocabulary in Context
Passage
When I started my first job at a marketing firm, I expected to learn from senior executives. Instead, my most valuable lessons came from the office receptionist, Maria.
One afternoon, she pulled me aside after a difficult client meeting. “You talked too much,” she said bluntly. “The client wanted to explain their problem, but you kept interrupting with solutions.” I felt embarrassed, but I knew she was right.
As used in the passage, the word “bluntly” most nearly means:
Frudely and without consideration
Gdirectly and without softening
Hangrily and with hostile intent
Jquietly and with reluctance