Which definition matches the sentence?

key notes:

Why This Is Important

Understanding vocabulary and sentences is super important because it helps us:

• Read better: You’ll understand books, stories, and articles more easily.
• Write better: You’ll be able to use the right words to express your ideas.
• Communicate better: You’ll be able to talk and listen to others more clearly.
• Learn better: You’ll understand what your teachers are saying in class.

How to Choose the Right Definition

Many words have more than one meaning! The trick is to look at the rest of the sentence to figure out which meaning makes the most sense. Here’s how to do it:

1. Read the whole sentence carefully. Don’t just focus on the word itself.
2. Think about what the sentence is about. What is happening? Who is doing what?
3. Look at the word’s definitions. Choose the definition that fits best with the sentence’s meaning.
4. Try the definition in the sentence. Does it make sense? If not, try another definition.

Let’s look at some examples!

Example 1

Sentence: The bark of the tree was rough and brown.

Definitions of bark:

a) The loud noise a dog makes.
b) The outer covering of a tree trunk or branch.

Which definition fits?

Definition (b) fits best. The sentence is talking about a tree, so the bark must be the tree’s outer covering.

Example 2

Sentence: We went to the bank to deposit our money.

Definitions of bank:

a) A financial institution where people keep their money.
b) The land alongside a river or lake.

Which definition fits?

Definition (a) fits best. The sentence mentions deposit money, which is something you do at a financial institution.

Example 3

Sentence: Please wave your hand to say hello.

Definitions of wave:

a) A rhythmic disturbance that travels through a medium such as water or air.
b) To move one’s hand back and forth as a greeting or signal.

Which definition fits?

Definition (b) fits best. The sentence tells you to say hello, which is done by moving one’s hand.

Let’s Practice!

Read each sentence and the definitions. Choose the definition that best fits the sentence.

1. Sentence: The baker needs to knead the dough before baking the bread.
2. Definitions of knead:
3. a) To massage or squeeze with the hands.
   b) A need or requirement.
4. Which definition fits? (Think about what bakers do!)
5. Sentence: The baseball player ran to first base.
6. Definitions of base:
7. a) The bottom part of something.
   b) A starting point or goal in a game.
8. Which definition fits? (Think about baseball!)
9. Sentence: I will address the letter before I mail it.
10. Definitions of address:
11. a) A location to which mail is sent.
    b) To speak to someone; to direct a remark to someone.
12. Which definition fits? (Think about mail!)

Summary

Today, we learned how to choose the right definition of a word based on how it’s used in a sentence. Remember to read the whole sentence, think about what it’s about, and choose the definition that makes the most sense. Keep practicing, and you’ll become a vocabulary master!

Let’s practice!