Vocabulary in context

English

Definition

Vocabulary in context is the skill of determining a word's specific meaning based on how it is used in a particular passage, rather than relying solely on its dictionary definition. Many words have multiple meanings, and context determines which one applies.

Examples

  • 'The bank was steep and muddy' — here 'bank' means the side of a river, not a financial institution
  • 'Her grave expression told us the news was bad' — 'grave' means serious, not a burial site
  • On the SAT, a question might ask what 'check' means in 'Congress can check the President's power' — here it means to restrain

Related Terms

Context clues Context clue types Shades of meaning High-frequency sat words

Study This Concept

Practice vocabulary in context with free review games in these units:

AP English Language Unit 4: Reading Comprehension