Use context to identify the meaning of a word

Key Notes:

What are Context Clues?

Context clues are hints found within a sentence, paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words. Think of them as clues left by the author to help you unlock the meaning of a word.

Instead of immediately reaching for a dictionary, try using the surrounding text to make an educated guess about the word’s meaning. This skill is invaluable for improving your reading comprehension and vocabulary!

Types of Context Clues

1. Definition/Explanation Clues: The word’s meaning is directly stated in the sentence or a nearby sentence .Example: Archaeology, the scientific study of prehistoric cultures by excavation of their remains, is a fascinating subject.

2. Synonym/Restatement Clues: Another word with a similar meaning is used close by. Example: The affluent neighborhood, the wealthy part of town, boasted many large mansions.

3. Antonym/Contrast Clues: A word with the opposite meaning is used, giving you a sense of what the unknown word isn’t. Example: Unlike her gregarious sister, who loved being around people, Jane was quite introverted and preferred to be alone.

4. Example Clues: Specific examples are given to illustrate the meaning of the word. Example: Aquatic animals, such as fish, crabs, and dolphins, live in the water.

5. Inference Clues:
The meaning of the word is not directly stated, but you can infer it from the surrounding context. This requires using your reasoning skills and background knowledge.

Example:
Although the evidence was circumstantial, the jury found him guilty. (You can infer that ‘circumstantial’ means based on indirect evidence.)

• Read the entire sentence and surrounding sentences carefully. Don’t just focus on the word itself.
• Look for signal words. Words like such as, for example, in other words, unlike, and but often signal the presence of context clues.
• Consider the overall tone and subject matter of the passage. This can help you narrow down the possible meanings of the word.
• Don’t be afraid to make a guess! Even if you’re not 100% sure, try to come up with a possible meaning based on the context. Then, see if that meaning makes sense in the sentence.
• If you’re still unsure, consult a dictionary. But try using context clues first!

Practice Makes Perfect!

The more you practice using context clues, the better you will become at understanding unfamiliar words. So, read widely and pay attention to the way words are used in different contexts.

Summary

These notes covered the importance of using context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. We explored five types of context clues: definition, synonym, antonym, example, and inference. Remember to read carefully, look for signal words, and use your reasoning skills to unlock the meaning of new words!