4th grade vocabulary

Example

Which prefix makes a real word from "spell", meaning "not" or "wrongly"?

1. A prefix is added to the start of a word to change its meaning.
2. 'mis-' means 'wrongly'.
3. So the answer is: misspell

Answer: misspell

Example

Choose the form of the word that fits the sentence. The ___ was cold and grey. (dark)

1. Words in the same family share a root but belong to different word classes.
2. The gap needs a noun.
3. Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "The darkness was cold and grey."
4. So the answer is: darkness

Answer: darkness

Example

Which kind of figurative language is this? The sun smiled down on the picnic.

1. A simile compares using 'like' or 'as'; a metaphor says one thing IS another; personification gives human qualities to non-human things.
2. So the answer is: personification

Answer: personification

Example

What does this idiom or saying mean? "It's a piece of cake."

1. Idioms are fixed expressions with a figurative meaning.
2. So the answer is: It's very easy.

Answer: It's very easy.

Example

What does "submarine" mean?

1. These prefixes come from Latin (sub-, inter-, super-) and Greek (anti-, auto-).
2. So the answer is: a ship that travels under the sea

Answer: a ship that travels under the sea

Example

What does the word part "dict" mean?

1. Many English words are built from Greek and Latin parts. Knowing the parts helps you work out new words.
2. So the answer is: say or tell

Answer: say or tell

Example

Are these words synonyms or antonyms? begin / commence

1. Synonyms have similar meanings. Antonyms have opposite meanings.
2. So the answer is: synonyms (similar meaning)

Answer: synonyms (similar meaning)

Example

Use the clues in the sentence. Unlike his talkative sister, Raj was reticent and hardly said a word. What does "reticent" mean?

1. Writers often give a definition, an example or an opposite near a hard word.
2. So the answer is: quiet, not saying much

Answer: quiet, not saying much

Example

Choose the verb that fits the meaning best. The mouse ___ at a tiny crumb of cheese.

1. A precise verb shows the reader exactly how something happened.
2. Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "The mouse nibbled at a tiny crumb of cheese."
3. So the answer is: nibbled

Answer: nibbled

Example

Use the sentence to decide. Can you lead the team onto the pitch? What does "lead" mean here?

1. Context tells you which meaning of a homograph is meant.
2. So the answer is: guide in front

Answer: guide in front

Example

Use the sentence to work out the meaning. Everything the new shop owner tries is a success; she has the Midas touch. What does "the Midas touch" mean?

1. Words from myths keep a link to the story they came from.
2. So the answer is: the ability to make things successful

Answer: the ability to make things successful