Use context to identify the meaning of a word
Key Notes:
| What are Context Clues? |
Context clues are hints found within a sentence or passage that can help you understand the meaning of unfamiliar words. Think of yourself as a word detective, using the surrounding words to solve the mystery of a new term.
| Types of Context Clues |
| Definition/Explanation: The meaning of the word is directly stated. Example: animals, those that live in trees, are common in rainforests | Synonym/Restatement: Another word with a similar meaning is used nearby. Example: The talk was ; in fact, it was so boring I almost fell asleep. |
| Antonym/Contrast: A word with the opposite meaning is used. Example: Unlike her sister, who loves to socialize, Jane prefers to be alone. | Inference: You have to guess the meaning based on the surrounding facts and ideas. Example: After the heavy rains, the river became , making it difficult to see the bottom. |
| Tips for Using Context Clues |
- Read the entire sentence or passage: Don’t just focus on the word itself.
- Look for signal words: Words like such as, for example, in other words, but, however, unlike often indicate context clues.
- Consider the overall tone: Is the passage positive, negative, or neutral?
- Replace the unknown word: Try substituting your guessed definition into the sentence to see if it makes sense.
- Don’t give up! If one sentence doesn’t help, look for clues in the surrounding sentences.
| Practice Time! |
Let’s try some examples:
- The old house was , with peeling paint and a crumbling porch.
- The athlete’s , or determination, helped him win the race.
- The student tried to the rules but was caught by the teacher.
| Next Steps |
Continue practicing using context clues whenever you encounter unfamiliar words. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at unlocking the meaning of new vocabulary!