11+ Comprehension · Topic explained
Word meaning in context
What if you meet a word you've never seen in the exam?
The big idea
Use the words around a tricky word to work out what it means here.
Picture it
Like a missing jigsaw piece: the pieces around it show its shape.
Key words
- Context
- The words and sentences around a word.
- Synonym
- A word with the same or a similar meaning.
- Swap test
- Put your meaning in place of the word and see if the sentence still works.
Worked examples
- 1Warm-up
"The puppy was tiny, so minuscule it fitted in a teacup." What does minuscule mean?
- Clues: tiny, fitted in a teacup.
- Minuscule means very small.
- 211+ standard
"As the tide receded, rock pools glittered where the sea had been." Receded means: A rose B went back C froze D roared
- Clue: rock pools appear where the sea had been.
- Swap test: "as the tide went back". Answer B.
- 311+ standard
"The bright torch lit the cave." "Mia is a bright pupil who loves puzzles."
- Same word, different meanings.
- In the second, bright means clever.
- 411+ standard
"Grandpa was frugal: he reused teabags and mended his socks rather than buy new ones." What does frugal mean?
- The colon introduces the clues.
- Frugal means careful with money.
The common mistake
The mistake
Picking the meaning of the word you know best.
Instead
Pick the meaning that fits this sentence, then check with the swap test.
Why: Many words have several meanings, and the exam often offers the common one as a trap.
Where it comes up in the 11+
"What does the word … mean as it is used in the passage?" and "Which word is closest in meaning?"
The video
Video coming soon
We're making a short video that explains word meaning in context step by step. Until then, everything it covers is on this page.
Free printable
Word meaning in context worksheet
Practice questions on this topic to print and try on paper, at home or on the way to school.
Download the worksheet (PDF)Free account needed: it takes a minute.
Quick quiz
Have a go first, then tap to see the answer.
1. "The crowd was jubilant when the winning goal went in." Jubilant means…
- Very happy
- Very quiet
- Angry
- Tired
Show the answerHide the answer
Very happy
A winning goal makes a crowd overjoyed.
2. "She had a novel idea for the science fair." Novel means…
- A long story book
- New and original
- Boring
- Very old
Show the answerHide the answer
New and original
An idea can't be a book. Here novel means new and original.
3. What is the best way to check your choice?
- Swap it into the sentence
- Pick the longest word
- Always pick A
- Skip the question
Show the answerHide the answer
Swap it into the sentence
If the sentence still makes sense with your meaning, you're probably right.