Use the sentence to constrain a word meaning
Word Knowledge includes meanings presented in context and best synonyms. Treat the surrounding sentence as evidence. The IES context-clue resource suggests rereading the sentence and nearby text, generating a possible meaning and checking whether that meaning fits. The routine is especially useful when one familiar sense or emotional association is tempting but not supported. Worked example: “With only three seats left for twenty arriving guests, available seating was scarce.” The numbers make limited supply the relevant sense. A substitution such as plentiful contradicts the comparison. A substitution such as comfortable describes a different property that the sentence does not establish. Identify the clue rather than simply saying that a word feels right. Behavior can also provide a contrast. If a sentence describes someone repairing usable equipment and purchasing only necessary replacements, its economy-related vocabulary is about expenditure. It does not automatically describe kindness, hesitation or a lack of care. A choice may name a plausible personality trait without matching the word as used. The diagnostic gives its own original context so you can explain the exact support. One useful practice routine is to hide the options, propose a short meaning and then compare it with the choices. Keep the grammatical role and strength of the word similar. If the context supports limited, do not strengthen it into nonexistent. If the clue remains insufficient, record the uncertainty and consult a suitable reference during study; the act of guessing alone is not evidence that the meaning has been learned.
The committee was frugal: instead of replacing every worn chair, it repaired usable chairs and bought only the few replacements it needed. As used here, frugal most nearly means:
- The stated choices limit unnecessary spending while meeting the need. Economical fits that meaning. The sentence does not describe difficulty deciding, giving more to others, or failing to take care. The interpretation comes from the contrast between blanket replacement and selective repair/purchase.
Compare the other answer choices
The sentence concerns controlled spending, not giving resources away.
The committee made a definite plan; no inability to decide is stated.
Selective repair and purchase show attention to need, not neglect.
Try it, then explain it.
Complete a short set without looking at the example. After each answer, explain which evidence or rule supports your decision and why the alternatives do not fit.
Sources & authorship
Original Slope explanations and examples. References support the concepts; they are not the source of copied questions. Independent educator review is pending.
ASVAB SubtestsSteps for Using Context Clues to Determine Word Meanings