Vocabulary Development Flashcards

The word 'ephemeral' describes something that:

Answer: lasts only a short time

'Ephemeral' comes from Greek meaning 'lasting only a day,' referring to things that are short-lived.

Which context clue strategy is used when a reader uses a contrasting word or phrase nearby to determine a word's meaning?

Answer: contrast clue

A contrast clue uses an opposite or contrasting word (often signaled by 'but,' 'however,' or 'unlike') to help infer meaning.

What does the root 'graph' mean in words like 'autograph' and 'biography'?

Answer: to write

The Greek root 'graph' means 'to write,' connecting words about writing or recording information.

In the sentence 'His laconic reply surprised everyone expecting a long speech,' 'laconic' means:

Answer: using very few words

'Laconic' means using very few words; it comes from the Spartans of Laconia, known for brief speech.

Which word contains a negative prefix meaning 'not'?

Answer: improper

The prefix 'im-' in 'improper' is a form of 'in-' meaning 'not,' making improper mean 'not proper.'

What is a 'colloquialism'?

Answer: an informal expression used in everyday speech

A colloquialism is an informal word or phrase used in everyday conversation rather than formal writing.

The word 'pragmatic' describes a person who:

Answer: deals with problems in a practical, realistic way

A pragmatic person takes a practical approach to problems, focusing on what works rather than on theory.