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Free Meaning from Context MCQs with Answers

337 Meaning from Context MCQs from English, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

Meaning from context requires inferring an unfamiliar word or phrase from surrounding clues, including definitions, examples, contrasts, cause and effect, tone and grammatical role. The intended meaning may differ from a dictionary’s first meaning, so collocation, connotation and the sentence’s overall idea must be considered together.

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337 questions · page 1 of 17

1. In the passage "outbreaks still occur where coverage falls below the level needed for herd immunity", the word coverage refers to

  • A. media reporting of the disease
  • B. the proportion of the population vaccinated
  • C. the area affected by the outbreak
  • D. insurance for medical treatment

Explanation: In a vaccination context coverage means the share of people who have been immunised, and the reference to herd immunity confirms it.

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Correct answer: the proportion of the population vaccinated

2. In the sentence "The evidence was compelling, so the jury convicted him quickly", the word compelling most nearly means

  • A. forcing by law
  • B. very convincing
  • C. lengthy
  • D. confusing

Explanation: The clue lies in the consequence: the jury was persuaded quickly, so the evidence must have been highly convincing.

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Correct answer: very convincing

3. In the sentence "Her prognosis after surgery was excellent", prognosis means

  • A. the identification of the disease
  • B. the forecast of the likely course of the illness
  • C. the surgical procedure itself
  • D. the patient's medical history

Explanation: Prognosis looks forward, predicting how the illness will develop, while diagnosis identifies what the illness is, and the pro prefix…

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Correct answer: the forecast of the likely course of the illness

4. In the sentence "The symptoms were benign and required no treatment", benign means

Moderate
  • A. not harmful
  • B. painful
  • C. contagious
  • D. chronic

Explanation: The clue is that no treatment was required, so the symptoms cannot have been dangerous.

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Correct answer: not harmful

5. In the sentence "The drug is contraindicated in patients with liver disease", contraindicated means

  • A. strongly recommended
  • B. advised against because it would be harmful
  • C. available only on prescription
  • D. given in a smaller dose

Explanation: The prefix contra means against, so a contraindication is a reason not to use a treatment in a particular patient.

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Correct answer: advised against because it would be harmful

6. "She was elated when she got first position in exams." What is the meaning of "elated" in this sentence?

  • A. Disappointed
  • B. Worried
  • C. Excited
  • D. Mad

Explanation: Elated means filled with high spirits and joy, so excited is the closest of the four, and the context of coming first confirms a positive…

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Correct answer: Excited

7. The writer has unearthed serious irregularities in the entire project. The word 'unearthed' in this sentence means

Fairly easy
  • A. written
  • B. mentioned
  • C. exposed
  • D. stated

Explanation: To unearth is literally to dig up, and used figuratively it means to bring something hidden to light, so exposed or uncovered is the sense…

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Correct answer: exposed

8. What is the meaning of the word "obfuscate"?

Moderate
  • A. To clarify
  • B. To confuse
  • C. To celebrate
  • D. To ignore

Explanation: Obfuscate means to deliberately make something unclear or confusing, often used about language or explanations meant to hide the truth.

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Correct answer: To confuse

9. The term Aqua means______?

Fairly easy
  • A. Water
  • B. Marsh
  • C. Alloy
  • D. None

Explanation: Aqua is a Latin-derived word meaning water, as seen in words such as aquarium and aquatic. The other options do not match this root.

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Correct answer: Water

10. What is the meaning of gloss?

Moderate
  • A. Dull
  • B. Brightness
  • C. Smoothness
  • D. None

Explanation: As a noun, gloss commonly means shine, luster, or brightness on a surface.

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Correct answer: Brightness

11. There was a 'whiff of' consensus on the proposed constitutional amendments during talks between the government and opposition. Here 'whiff of' means:

Moderate
  • A. Lack of something
  • B. A slight sign of something
  • C. Disagreement on something
  • D. Quarrel on something

Explanation: A “whiff of” something is a slight indication or trace of it, as a smell gives a faint sign of its presence.

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Correct answer: A slight sign of something

12. Although officials claimed that it's hull was _______, the Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg.

Hard
  • A. Iron made
  • B. Impenetrable
  • C. Prominent
  • D. Oval

Explanation: Impenetrable means impossible to pierce or pass through, which fits the claim that the Titanic’s hull could withstand impact.

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Correct answer: Impenetrable

13. Muslim alchemists tried to attain wealth by _______copper and other base metals into gold.

Moderate
  • A. Placing
  • B. Coin aging
  • C. Melting
  • D. Transforming

Explanation: Alchemists sought to transform, or change, base metals such as copper into gold.

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Correct answer: Transforming

14. A rumor that the corporation was close to the ________ caused panic among it's creditors and stockholders.

Fairly easy
  • A. New venture
  • B. Bankruptcy
  • C. Divided declaration
  • D. Annual BOD meeting

Explanation: Bankruptcy is the condition in which a person or corporation cannot pay its debts, so news of possible bankruptcy would alarm creditors…

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Correct answer: Bankruptcy

15. Despite his illness, Inzamam was ________ in winning his team.

Moderate
  • A. Disappointing
  • B. Useless
  • C. Vigorous
  • D. Instrumental

Explanation: Instrumental means playing an important or decisive part in achieving a result, so it fits a player who helped his team win despite…

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Correct answer: Instrumental

16. Maria forced herself to eat every piece on her plate; although she found the food practically______?

Moderate
  • A. Delicious
  • B. Spicy
  • C. Inedible
  • D. Nourishing

Explanation: If Maria forced herself to eat the food, she probably found it inedible, meaning extremely unpleasant or unfit to eat.

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Correct answer: Inedible

17. He had dared to challenge the views of an 'august' body of imperial historians. here 'august' word means:

Hard
  • A. Ordinary
  • B. Worthy of respect
  • C. Silly
  • D. None of These

Explanation: August means respected, dignified, or impressive, which suits a body of distinguished historians.

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Correct answer: Worthy of respect

18. The prison has succeeded in reducing 'recidivism'. The word 'recidivism' word means:

Hard
  • A. The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend
  • B. Going back to a previous behavior
  • C. Backsliding
  • D. All of These

Explanation: Recidivism specifically means returning to criminal behaviour, especially reoffending after conviction.

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Correct answer: All of These

19. Just good enough means?

Hard
  • A. Not sufficient time
  • B. An estimated criteria
  • C. Good for Circumstances
  • D. None of these

Explanation: Just good enough means adequate for the particular circumstances, though not excellent or more than necessary.

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Correct answer: Good for Circumstances

20. Which country launched its first operational earth observation satellite "Taifa-1?

Very hard
  • A. Kenya
  • B. Nigeria
  • C. Ethiopia
  • D. Tanzania

Explanation: Kenya launched Taifa-1, its first operational Earth-observation satellite, in 2023.

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Correct answer: Kenya
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