Use Definitions and Restatements to Interpret Word Meaning

Use context clues to determine the meaning of the word in bold.
Mickey had painted the apartment’s walls black, so he had to pay a very large fine. Though he was grumpy about the punishment, he admitted that the violation was indisputable. He knew that it was absolutely clear that he was guilty of violating his rental agreement.

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One of the most beloved Hollywood stars of all time was Shirley Temple. Her energetic manner and her winsome, or charming, attitude made the entire nation love her.

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Irvin’s neighbor spent a lot of time indoors and rarely spoke with anyone. Irvin’s mother said that he was a misanthrope. Even though she thought their neighbor was someone who dislikes people, Irvin preferred to think that he was a person with an exciting secret.

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Monica is concerned that she will be late to the interview. Her aunt tries hard to allay her fears. Even though Monica’s aunt tries to calm or ease the concern that she feels, Monica still insists that they leave an hour early.

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Right after she bought it, Wendy immediately embellished her new notebook. She decorated it by drawing little pictures on the cover and covering it in stickers.

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After the automobile company knowingly sold faulty cars to the public, the media vilified the business. The news channels said terrible things about the company, and their sales plummeted immediately.

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For days, the invading army attacked the fort and launched cannonballs over the walls. Although the defending army hated to succumb, or admit defeat, they were eventually left with no choice.

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Romeo knew that his love affair with Juliet was doomed because of the contention between their families. Since the families were in the middle of such a terrible conflict, the couple had a secret marriage. Unfortunately, it ended in bitter tragedy.

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Linda knew that her efforts to save the poor computer would be futile, or useless. The computer had gotten a virus that was terribly destructive. It looked like it was time to buy a new one.

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Sandra realized that the personality of the book’s hero was the antithesis of her own. Because the hero was the exact opposite of Sandra, she decided to read a different book that would be of more interest to her.

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My favorite teacher, Mr. Williams, does not believe in quotidian teaching methods. He never uses ordinary ways of teaching. He hosts organized debates and gives his students creative writing assignments instead of exams and quizzes.

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One of the greatest racehorses of all time, a British stallion named Frankel, never lost a race. He vied with, or competed against, many more experienced horses. However, his naturally long stride helped him glide past his competition.

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Bernice and Ricky need something to quench their thirst. They must satisfy their need for water or they will become dehydrated and feel very ill.

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Carlos thought of his tree house as a sanctuary, that is, a safe place. He often spent long, quiet afternoons in the tree house, reading and playing with his action figures.

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Maria yearned, or wished and longed, for the shiny red bicycle in the store window. She decided to save all of the money she earned until she could buy it. After two months, she finally had enough to get the bike.

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The peace talks went on for a long time because neither country would acquiesce, or agree, on the terms of the proposed peace treaty. Neither was willing to make any compromises. The United Nations had to become involved to help the two countries negotiate an agreement.

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The origin of the universe has always been an enigma, or a mystery. Scientists have tried exploring various theories. One major theory states that the stars and planets came from an explosion in space.

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The president entreated the citizens of his country to remain calm. After he begged them urgently not to act out in terror, he told them that panic would only make matters worse.

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Gary felt very nervous about the test that he believed he was doomed to fail. After taking the test, Gary felt inconsolable. Even though he felt so deeply troubled, it turned out that he had earned a passing grade.

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When the queen arrived at the ceremony, she was wearing the finest raiment, or fancy clothing. In their t-shirts and jeans, the audience felt very underdressed.