Double Meanings 9

Objective: Use gross accurately in context and distinguish its two meanings.

gross Meaning 1 (adjective): Disgusting or strongly unpleasant. Meaning 2 (adjective): Total before deductions are subtracted. Context sentences 1. [Meaning 1] The spoiled food smelled gross. 2. [Meaning 2] The report lists gross income before expenses. 3. [Meaning 2] Gross sales rose even though net profit fell.

Objective: Use hedge accurately in context and distinguish its two meanings.

hedge Meaning 1 (noun): A boundary formed by closely planted bushes or shrubs. Meaning 2 (verb): Avoid a firm commitment by adding qualifications or evasive language. Context sentences 1. [Meaning 1] A dense hedge separates the two gardens. 2. [Meaning 2] The witness began to hedge when asked for a definite answer. 3. [Meaning 2] A cautious forecaster may hedge a prediction with several qualifications.

Objective: Use host accurately in context and distinguish its two meanings.

host Meaning 1 (noun): A person who receives or entertains guests. Meaning 2 (noun): A large number or multitude. Context sentences 1. [Meaning 1] Our host welcomed us at the door. 2. [Meaning 2] The proposal raised a host of difficult questions. 3. [Meaning 2] A host of volunteers arrived to repair the damage.

Objective: Use inform accurately in context and distinguish its two meanings.

inform Meaning 1 (verb): Give someone facts or news. Meaning 2 (verb): Give a characteristic quality to or shape the character of something. Context sentences 1. [Meaning 1] Please inform the office of any change of address. 2. [Meaning 2] Her experiences inform the novel’s treatment of exile. 3. [Meaning 2] These principles inform every part of the organization’s policy.

Objective: Use iron accurately in context and distinguish its two meanings.

iron Meaning 1 (noun): A metallic element used in many construction materials and alloys. Meaning 2 (verb): Resolve differences or difficulties in the phrase iron out. Context sentences 1. [Meaning 1] The gate is made of iron. 2. [Meaning 2] The teams will iron out the remaining disagreements. 3. [Meaning 2] We need to iron out a few details before signing.

Objective: Use latitude accurately in context and distinguish its two meanings.

latitude Meaning 1 (noun): Angular distance north or south of the equator. Meaning 2 (noun): Freedom or scope to act according to one’s own judgment. Context sentences 1. [Meaning 1] The map marks latitude with horizontal lines. 2. [Meaning 2] The teacher gave students latitude in choosing their topics. 3. [Meaning 2] The guidelines allow considerable latitude in implementation.

Objective: Use marshal accurately in context and distinguish its two meanings.

marshal Meaning 1 (noun): An official with particular law-enforcement or ceremonial duties. Meaning 2 (verb): Gather and arrange people, facts, or resources systematically. Context sentences 1. [Meaning 1] The marshal escorted the witness into the courthouse. 2. [Meaning 2] She must marshal evidence before presenting her case. 3. [Meaning 2] The team learned to marshal its limited resources effectively.

Objective: Use oblique accurately in context and distinguish its two meanings.

oblique Meaning 1 (adjective): Slanting rather than perpendicular or parallel. Meaning 2 (adjective): Indirect or not openly stated. Context sentences 1. [Meaning 1] An oblique line crossed the square at a slant. 2. [Meaning 2] Her oblique reference suggested a criticism without expressing it directly. 3. [Meaning 2] The poem makes an oblique allusion to the earlier dispute.

Objective: Use peck accurately in context and distinguish its two meanings.

peck Meaning 1 (verb): Strike or pick at something with a bird’s beak. Meaning 2 (noun): A traditional unit of volume used for dry goods. Context sentences 1. [Meaning 1] The hens peck at the scattered grain. 2. [Meaning 2] The old ledger lists apples sold by the peck. 3. [Meaning 2] The historical recipe calls for one peck of grain.

Objective: Use period accurately in context and distinguish its two meanings.

period Meaning 1 (noun): A punctuation mark used to end a declarative sentence. Meaning 2 (noun): A span of time, often distinguished by particular events or conditions. Context sentences 1. [Meaning 1] The sentence ends with a period. 2. [Meaning 2] The museum specializes in pottery from this historical period. 3. [Meaning 2] The experiment includes a short observation period.