HSPT: Vocabulary in context: let the sentence define the word
Learn to work out what a word means in one particular sentence by using nearby clues, and to avoid the common meaning that doesn't fit.
How do you find what a word means in a passage when you're not sure of it, or when it has more than one meaning?
Short answer
Cover the word, read the sentence around it, and think of a simple word that fits the blank. Pick the choice closest to your word, then put it back in the sentence to check.
Know first: Reading the sentences before and after a word, Knowing that many words have more than one meaning
Step 1 of 5
The sentence decides the meaning
Many words have several meanings. A vocabulary question in a passage asks what the word means in this sentence, not its most common meaning. The words around it almost always give enough clues, even for a word you've never seen.
Vocabulary in context is one of the listed HSPT Reading skills. A favorite trap is a real meaning of the word that doesn't fit the passage, such as a long book that tells a story for novel in a sentence about a novel idea.
| Clue type | Signal words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast | but, however, although, instead | Most guests left quickly, but Ana lingered. |
| Restatement | or, that is, in other words | The soil was arid, or very dry. |
| Example | such as, like, for example | Tools such as hammers and drills |
| Cause or result | because, so, as a result | The path was treacherous, so we moved slowly. |
Step 2 of 5
Find the clue, then the meaning
A contrast clue
The aquarium guide moved quickly, spending only a minute at each tank1. But2 when we reached the octopus, she lingered, pointing out its color changes for nearly ten minutes3.
- The usual pattern: short stops.
- A contrast signal. What comes next is the opposite of a short stop.
- The proof: she stayed much longer here.
Worked example: Lingered
Using the passage above: In this passage, lingered most nearly means
- Astayed longer
- Bspoke quietly
- Churried away
- Dbecame confused
- 1
Cover the word
But when we reached the octopus, she ___.
- 2
Use the clue
But sets up a contrast with only a minute, and nearly ten minutes confirms it. Your word: stayed longer.
- 3
Check it in place
She stayed longer, pointing out its color changes. That reads naturally. That's A.
- 4
See why the other choices are there
B adds a detail about her voice that the passage never gives. C is the opposite of what the contrast shows. D has no support; she is confidently pointing things out.
Answer
A. stayed longer
Wrong: Novel means a long book that tells a story, so that must be the answer.
Right: In a novel way to save water, novel means new and unusual.
The familiar meaning is a real definition, which is why it's tempting. Only the sentence tells you which meaning is in use.
Step 3 of 5
Use the clues yourself
Check yourself · Question 1
After inspecting the old bridge, the engineers declared it sound, so trucks could keep crossing it.
In this sentence, sound most nearly means
Answer: B
The result clue so trucks could keep crossing it tells you the engineers found the bridge safe. Declared it strong and safe fits.
Trap answer: noisy
Common meaning, wrong sentence
- Why it looks right
- Sound usually means something you hear, so the eye jumps to noisy.
- Why it's wrong
- Put it back: the engineers declared it noisy, so trucks could keep crossing it. The so makes no sense.
- The right answer
- strong and safe, which explains why trucks may keep crossing.
Check yourself · Question 2
The coach's praise after the game was measured. She said the team had defended well, but she added that their passing still needed work.
In this passage, measured most nearly means
Answer: A
The coach praises one thing, then adds a but about what still needs work. Her praise was held back and balanced. Careful and limited fits.
Common mistake
Choosing the meaning you know best without testing it in the sentence.
- Why it's tempting
- The familiar meaning is a real definition, so it feels like a safe pick.
- Do this instead
- Always plug your choice back into the sentence. If it creates nonsense, it's the wrong meaning, however familiar.
Step 4 of 5
What to remember
Remember
- A vocabulary question asks what the word means in this sentence.
- Look for contrast, restatement, example and cause-or-result clues near the word.
- Put your choice back in the sentence. The common meaning is often the trap.
Step 5 of 5
Practice on a real question
Use what you just learned on this question, then check the explanation.
In your own words
In the practice question, which nearby words told you what the word means, and which choice gives a meaning that doesn't fit the sentence?