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Meaning in Context is a free printable Grade 5 English worksheet on pinning a word's meaning to this text, aligned to Common Core standard RL.5.4. It prints 8 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two pupils in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

Set 10 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

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Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.

Meaning in Context

RL.5.4

NameDate

Tick the right meaning.

1.The herd began to diminish as the grassland shrank. What does "diminish" mean here?
  • A.to stay exactly level
  • B.to grow much larger
  • C.to move faster
  • D.to become smaller or less
2.The path began to deteriorate after the floods. What does "deteriorate" mean here?
  • A.to improve steadily
  • B.to grow taller
  • C.to stay perfect
  • D.to get worse over time
3.Subsequent tests confirmed the first result. What does "subsequent" mean here?
  • A.happening at once
  • B.coming after something else
  • C.coming before
  • D.happening by chance
4.They compiled a list of every bird seen that week. What does "compile" mean here?
  • A.to argue about
  • B.to throw away
  • C.to gather material into one place
  • D.to hide carefully
5.The second account contradicts the first. What does "contradict" mean here?
  • A.to repeat word for word
  • B.to say the opposite of
  • C.to agree with exactly
  • D.to explain clearly
6.The report advocates planting more trees in cities. What does "advocate" mean here?
  • A.to describe neutrally
  • B.to measure precisely
  • C.to argue against
  • D.to publicly support an idea
7.Fish were abundant in the bay that year. What does "abundant" mean here?
  • A.almost absent
  • B.very expensive
  • C.existing in great quantity
  • D.poorly hidden
8.The reservoir can sustain the town through a dry summer. What does "sustain" mean here?
  • A.to break apart
  • B.to keep something going over time
  • C.to speed up
  • D.to stop suddenly

LessonPrint · RL.5.4 · Set 10 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Meaning in Context

Set 10. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.to become smaller or less
  2. 2.to get worse over time
  3. 3.coming after something else
  4. 4.to gather material into one place
  5. 5.to say the opposite of
  6. 6.to publicly support an idea
  7. 7.existing in great quantity
  8. 8.to keep something going over time

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to RL.5.4 of the Common Core State Standards for English language arts.