As you read these sentences from Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, use context clues to determine the meaning of each italicized word. Write your definition on the lines provided, along with an explanation of how you used context clues to help determine the word's meaning.
1. It is only the power and mere pleasure of God that hold you up. You are probably not "sensible" of this; you find you are kept out of Hell, but do not see the hand of God in it.
A: Since I know that they "do not see the hand of God," I can figure out that "sensible" must mean "aware."
2. It is a great furnace of wrath, a wide and bottomless pit, full of the fire of wrath, that you are held over in the hands of that God, whose wrath is provoked and "incensed" as much against you, as against many of the damned in Hell.
A: Since I know that the furnace is "full of the fire of wrath," and that God's "wrath is provoked," I can figure out that "incensed" must mean "very angry" or "enraged."
3. You hang by a slender thread, with the flames of divine wrath flashing about it, and ready every moment to "singe" it, and burn it asunder.
A: Since I know that the thread has "the flames of divine wrath flashing about it" that threats to "burn it asunder," I can figure out that "singe" must mean "to be burn (something) superficially or lightly.
4. He will not "forbear" the executions of his wrath, or in the least lighten his hand; there shall be no moderation of mercy.
A: Since I know that God will not "lighten his hand" and that there will be no "moderation of mercy," I can figure out that "forbear" must mean "refrain."
5. There will be no end to this exquisite horrible misery. When you look forward, you shall see a long forever, a "boundless" duration before you, which will swallow up your thoughts and amaze your soul.
A: Since I know they shall see a "long forever" duration, I can figure out that "boundless" means "unlimited" or "limitless."
6. To see so many "rejoicing" and singing for joy of heart, while you have cause to mourn for sorrow of heart.
A: Since I know they will see many "singing for joy of heart," I can figure out that "rejoicing" must mean "feeling or showing great joy or delight."
Correct.
Great job on using context clues to determine the meanings of the italicized words! Your interpretations are correct.
Your understanding of the italicized words and your ability to use context clues to determine their meanings is correct.
In each case, you analyzed the surrounding sentences and identified key phrases or descriptions that helped you infer the meaning of the word in question. This is an effective strategy for deciphering unfamiliar words within a given context. By considering the overall tone, the actions or emotions described, and the relationships between different ideas or concepts, you were able to make logical deductions about the intended meanings.
Remember, context clues can include synonyms or antonyms provided in the same sentence, specific descriptions or comparisons, and even the tone or emotion conveyed through the writing. By paying attention to these contextual cues, you can enhance your comprehension and accurately determine the meanings of unknown words.