Context Clues: Antonyms
The author includes an antonym to help the reader understand the meaning of a
word. An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. In the
following example, the antonym “eager” helps the reader understand the
meaning of “reluctant.”
Joe was reluctant to take on the position of captain of the basketball team. He
was afraid that the time it would take would hurt his grades. On the other hand,
Billy was eager for the chance to be captain. He thought that being captain of
the team would make him very popular in school.
Antonym Hint
The word "but" is a signal word indicating antonym which means there is a word
of opposite meaning in the sentence.
Jerry is very clumsy, but his sister Jenny is adroit.
Let’s look at an example:
Dianna appeared to be a very moral and upstanding young lady, but
those who knew her knew that she was iniquitous.
What does the word iniquitous mean in this sentence?
Antonym Context Clues often take a little more detective work to
understand.
There is a special word in this sentence that hints at the presence of an
antonym.
Dianna appeared to be a very moral and upstanding young lady, but
those who knew her knew that she was iniquitous.
The two opposite points of view are:
1. That Dianna is moral and upstanding.
2. That she is iniquitous
The word BUT tells us that the two parts of the sentence represent
opposite points of view about Dianna therefore means the opposite of
Iniquitous must mean evil and immoral.
Now You Give It A Try!
David was very outgoing as opposed to his coy older sister.
What does coy mean?
HINT: ANTONYM context clues always have hint words to tell us that
there are opposites present!
Did you find the hint words?
David was very outgoing as opposed to his coy older sister.
Coy must mean the opposite of outgoing!
Ok- ready for some more?
1. Although Tom was anxious about the test, Tina was not worried at all.
Using the antonym clue, the word anxious in this sentence means
forgetful
calm
worried
not worried
2. Two new girls started school this week. Beth has a gregarious personality. Jenna is
rather quiet.
Using the antonym clue, the word gregarious in this sentence means
shy
timid
bashful
outgoing
3. If you don't conquer your fears, they will beat you.
Using the antonym clue, the word conquer in this sentence means
lose
talk about
win
forget
Answers:
1. B
2. D
3. B
Got it? Try 3 more before we quit.
4. While Lily was careful not to be seen as she peeked out the window, Phil was not as
cautious and was seen!
Using the antonym clue, the word cautious in this sentence means
careful
risky
not careful
trouble
5. Although the princess is familiar to those in London, she is unknown to the rest of the
world.
Using the antonym clue, the word familiar in this sentence means
pretty
old
smart
well-known
6. Although Mary was willing to play in the snow, Jack was reluctant because he was so
cold.
Using the antonym clue, the word reluctant in this sentence means
ready
not willing
willing
excited
Answers:
4. A
5. D
6. C