Vocabulary 10 – Contextual Redefinition

Make predictions for definitions of each of the following words. Remember that some words
which look familiar will probably have new meanings in this context.

Word Familiarity Context Morphemes Predicted Synonyms

Sentence Definition
Prosecute The shoplifter
was prosecuted
for trying to walk
out of the store
with a pocket of
raw meat.
It wasn't fair the
Persecute way the more
popular kids
always
persecuted the
nerds.
When he saw
how his people
indignant were being
treated, Moses
became
indignant and
sought to free
them.
Although Rex
reluctant would rather
have seen "My
Uzi Weighs A
Ton," he
reluctantly took
his girlfriend to
see "Very
Special."
"Spare me the
sordid sordid details,"
Merv said as Pip
went on and on
about last night's
date.
If a student
inevitable doesn't do his
work during the
quarter, he will
inevitably ask
for extra credit
before report
cards come due.
Then the teacher
stolid will look at the
student with
stolid
indifference and
 point to all the
zeroes in the
gradebook.
Redskins and
vehement Cowboys fans
got into a
vehement
argument when
the game's
outcome
depended on a
controversial call
by the referee.

furtive The mischievous

youngster cast a
furtive glance at
the employees
before he snuck
a piece of bacon
from the platter.

venerable Although the

new facility was
nice, it wasn't
the same as
wrestling in the
venerable gym
where we had
won eight league
titles.