verbal · 24 minutes · Official OETT Aligned
Word Meaning
Use the sentence to work out a word
What to know
- clues in nearby words
- word parts, such as un- or re-
- how the word fits the sentence
Reading the whole sentence helps you choose the right meaning of an unfamiliar word.
The core rule
Read the sentence, put the word into everyday language, then choose the answer that fits.
Look for clues before and after the word. The sentence may explain it, give an example, or show an opposite idea. Word parts can help: un- often means not. Finally, try your chosen answer in the sentence and check that it still makes sense.
Worked examples
Example 1: easy
In ‘The compact pump fits beneath the platform,’ compact means small.
- The pump fits beneath a platform. That gives a clue about size.
- Replace compact with small. The sentence still makes sense.
Here, compact describes size rather than another meaning of the word.
Example 2: medium
In ‘The foreperson was reluctant to approve the untested repair,’ reluctant means unwilling.
- The repair has not been tested. That gives a reason to hesitate.
- Replace reluctant with unwilling. Eager would mean the opposite.
The sentence supports not wanting to approve the repair.
Example 3: hard
In ‘Repeated inspection mitigated the risk,’ the surrounding action makes mitigated mean reduced.
- The sentence says repeated inspection changed the risk.
- Reduced fits mitigated. Measured would describe checking the risk, not lowering it.
The word reduced matches the meaning: the inspection lowered the risk.
Common mistakes
The most familiar answer must be right.
Try the answer in the sentence. It needs to fit the meaning, not just look familiar.
Put it into practice
Use guided explanations, check your answers, and try a new variation.