5th Grade Vocabulary Words & Worksheets

5th Grade Vocabulary Words

Fifth-grade readers use increasingly precise vocabulary to compare sources, explain evidence, interpret literature, and learn independently across science, mathematics, and social studies. The curriculum emphasizes context clues, meaningful word parts, parts of speech, and language that strengthens both discussion and writing.

This independently authored 500-word beta curriculum is arranged in twenty pages of twenty-five words each. Words 1–300 include five cloze questions per page; words 301–500 remain fully visible and editable as list pages while the expanded practice layer is developed. References calibrated level and coverage only; all learner-facing definitions and sample sentences are original KSSR copy.

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Words 126–150 of 500
#	Word	Pattern / part of speech	Meaning	Sample sentence
126	petrify	verbGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	The sudden growl seemed to petrify the campers.
127	portable	adjectiveGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	We used a portable stove to cook at the campsite.
128	prefix	nounGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	The prefix “un-” changes “certain” to “uncertain.”
129	preserve	verbGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	The archive works to preserve letters from the town's founders.
130	protagonist	nounGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	The protagonist must choose between safety and helping a friend.
131	provide	verbGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	Tall trees provide shade beside the playground.
132	purchase	verbGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	The club will purchase new art supplies with the fundraiser money.
133	realistic	adjectiveGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	The artist painted a realistic portrait of the old fisherman.
134	reassure	verbGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	The guide tried to reassure us that the trail was safe.
135	reign	nounGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	The palace was expanded during the queen's reign.
136	resemble	verbGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	The cloud seemed to resemble a sailing ship.
137	retain	verbGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	Dark soil can retain water longer than sand.
138	retire	verbGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	The librarian plans to retire after forty years of service.
139	revert	verbGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	Without maintenance, the garden may revert to an overgrown field.
140	route	nounGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	The map shows the safest route across the mountains.
141	saunter	verbGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	We watched the peacock saunter across the courtyard.
142	seldom	adverbGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	Snow seldom falls in this warm coastal town.
143	senseless	adjectiveGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	Damaging the new playground would be a senseless act.
144	sever	verbGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	The storm may sever weak branches from the tree.
145	slither	verbGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	A green snake began to slither through the grass.
146	sluggish	adjectiveGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	The lizard seemed sluggish in the cool morning air.
147	soar	verbGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	The eagle began to soar above the canyon.
148	solitary	adjectiveGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	A solitary lighthouse stood on the rocky island.
149	solo	nounGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	Mina practiced her violin solo for the concert.
150	sparse	adjectiveGrade 5 language and literature word	Reviewed Cantonese equivalent not yet available.	Only sparse grass grew on the dry hillside.

Words 126–150 of 500

Word

Pattern / part of speech

Meaning

Sample sentence

126

petrify

verbGrade 5 language and literature word