1. Dictionary Definition Vocabulary Questions
Throwing out one more vocabulary curve ball…

2. Brief Explanation
In addition to the types of vocabulary questions you have already been exposed to during vocabulary quizzes, you will now be expected to contend with a dictionary definition-style question. For this type of question you will be given several different dictionary definitions for the same word and an example sentence. Your task is to select the provided definition that is exemplified in the usage of the word within the example sentence.

3. Example Question B) 2 C) 3a D) 3b
Read the dictionary definition below and decide which definition of the vocabulary term best reflects the word’s usage within the example sentence.
 Main Entry: 1night
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English
Date: before 12th century
1 : the time from dusk to dawn when no sunlight is visible 2 a : an evening or night taken as an occasion or point of time <the opening night> b : an evening set aside for a particular purpose 3 a : the quality or state of being dark b : a condition or period felt to resemble the darkness of night: as (1) : a period of dreary inactivity or affliction (2) : absence of moral values
Example sentence: As Elie loses his strong sense of faith, he is plunged into spiritual darkness and enters an interior night.
Which definition best reflects the vocabulary term’s usage?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3a
D) 3b

4. Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is “D”. Within the example sentence the word “night” is not used literally. In this instance it does not mean the opposite of day nor is it being used to describe a certain evening.
It is also not being used to describe a personality trait of being dark.
Within the example sentence, the vocabulary term in question is being used instead to describe Elie’s sense of dreary affliction and the threatening absence of morality that he begins to experience.
Example sentence: As Elie loses his strong sense of faith, he is plunged into spiritual darkness and enters an interior night.
3b : a condition or period felt to resemble the darkness of night: as (1) : a period of dreary inactivity or affliction (2) : absence of moral values