IXL | Determine the meaning of words using synonyms in context

Read the passage. Then, select the synonym of the word in bold.

You may know that elephants, bears, and gorillas routinely have strong maternal instincts. But did you know that crocodiles also can be motherly? Female crocodiles have been observed using their bone-crushing jaws to gently pick up and carry their babies to water.

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question

Read the passage. Then, select the synonym of the word in bold.

Joe is studying veterinary medicine at university, so he often reads books and magazines that pertain to animal health issues. Articles that relate to the latest medications and treatments available for horses are of particular interest to him, since he plans to be an equine veterinarian—a vet who specializes in the care of horses.

key idea

Synonyms are words that mean the same thing or almost the same thing. When you see words you don't know, you can use synonyms as context clues to help figure out the new words' meanings.

Jessica's buoyant personality is infectious. Whenever we spend time together, I end up in a cheerful mood, too.

Here, the synonym cheerful can help you figure out that buoyant also means happy or upbeat.

solution

The synonym relate helps you understand the meaning of pertain.

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W.2Find synonyms in context

GG.2Determine the meaning of words using synonyms in context

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