NAME
CLASS
DATE
Vocabulary Development
The Gift of the Magi
O. Henry
Synonyms and Context Clues
In the following sentences you will find italicized synonyms for the Vocabulary words. On the line
provided, write the Vocabulary word that is a synonym for the italicized word. Then, underline any
context clues that alert you to the word’s meaning.
EXAMPLE:
ornamentation
coveted
The set of tortoise-shell combs would be beautiful
decoration for Della’s hair. They would adorn her hair
nicely, don’t you think?
instigates
depreciate
scrutiny
1. The Dillinghams’ finances, under examination, do not give a clear picture
of the couple. However, a close inspection of the Dillinghams’ life
probably would reveal that they are very happy.
2. Nothing can lessen the value of Della and Jim’s love for each other.
3. Jim and Della make sacrifices for each other. However, neither initiates
an argument or begins to feel angry.
4. Della’s desired adornments are finally hers. She apparently had longed
for them for quite some time.
Crossword
Using the clues provided, complete the crossword puzzle. The following Vocabulary words will be
the answers.
discreet
nimble
agile
singed
ransacking
cascade
1. searching thoroughly
4. slightly burned
5. moving quickly
1
2
3
6. careful
Down
4
2. moving easily
3. waterfall
5
6
24
Vocabulary Development
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
Across
Collection 5 Irony and Ambiguity • Evaluating an Argument
The Gift of the Magi, page 24
Synonyms and Context Clues
1.
2.
3.
4.
scrutiny; close inspection
depreciate; value
instigates; begins
coveted; longed for
Crossword
4. singed
5. nimble
6. discreet
The Lady, or the Tiger? page 25
Cumulative Vocabulary Review,
Collections 1–5, pages 27–28
Related Meanings
Sentence Completion
(Explanations will vary. Sample responses follow.)
1. c; The meaning of lethargic is the opposite of
the meanings of the other words.
2. b; The meaning of hostile is the opposite of the
meanings of the other words.
3. c; Biased is the one word that denotes strong
feelings or opinions.
4. a; Loyal is an adjective, unlike the other words,
which are nouns.
5. c; Withheld is the one word that involves the
holding back of something.
6. a; With the exception of the verb glower, all the
words are adjectives.
7. a; Overwhelm is the one word that doesn’t
involve the repayment of something.
8. d; Excitedly is an adverb, unlike the other
words, which are adjectives.
9. d; With the exception of administering, all the
other words involve wanting something.
10. b; Contempt describes a feeling that is
unrelated to that of the other words, which all
involve pausing or thinking before taking
action.
A Defense of the Jury System,
page 26
Synonyms and Antonyms
1. A
2. A
3. S
4. A
5. S
6. S
Writing Sentences
(Sentences will vary. Sample responses follow.)
1. The proposed plan was irrational: There was no
chance that it would work.
(Answers will vary. Sample responses follow.)
1. The nimble cat was able to run along the
window ledges with perfect balance.
2. A dire fate awaited anyone who dared to
confront the dreadful monster.
3. A coveted gift is one that you deeply desire.
4. Tall buildings obscure the view from my
window.
5. The king’s scheme of retribution involved
seizing the lands of the rebellious peasants.
6. To be discreet, I didn’t tell anyone what I had
found out.
7. The young man in “The Lady, or the Tiger?” was
aspiring to win the hand of the princess.
8. With an exuberant laugh, I slapped my friend’s
back and congratulated him on his excellent
joke.
9. Are you agile enough to make that difficult
climb?
10. I know he is superficial because he didn’t
make an effort to remember we had the
conversation.
11. An irrational jury verdict allowed the criminal,
who was clearly guilty, to go free.
12. Their affluent background is evident from their
expensive car and fancy clothes.
13. No one who truly believes in democracy
advocates the complete repeal of the jury
system.
14. Her hair, like a cascade of golden waves, fell to
her shoulders.
15. I was aghast to discover the sinister message
written on the mirror.
16. Our allegiance to the king requires us to serve
in the army upon his command.
Vocabulary Development
61
Answer Key
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
1. ransacking
2. agile
3. cascade
2. Their quick rejection of my idea showed that
their interest had been superficial.
3. The trees obscure the view of the river.
4. The artists’ group strongly advocates increased
attention to arts programs in the schools.
5. Conscientiously I set my alarm clock for early in
the morning so I would not be late.
6. The large houses in that affluent community are
surrounded by gorgeous landscaping.