Vocabulary in Context
Using Context Clues:
Paying close attention to the words or phrases–the sentence context–within a sentence gives you clues as to the meaning of unfamiliar words. There are context clues to help you to figure out the meaning of unknown words.
Types of Context Clues:
Definition and example clues-
The author includes a definition(s) or example(s) to help the reader understand the meaning of a word.
Look for signal words and punctuation in the sentence to help identify context clues, such as: including, are called, refers to, is defined as,such as,means,the term itself, [a phrase in boldface or italics] set off with commas...
- Definition Clue:
Sedentary individuals, people who are not very active, often have diminished health.
Explanation:
The definition "people who are not very active" is set off by commas and gives the reader the meaning of the word "sedentary."
- Example Clue:
The adverse effects of this drug, including dizziness, nausea, and headaches, have caused it to be withdrawn from the market.
Explanation:
The examples given; dizziness, nausea, headaches, helps the reader understand that "adverse" means something is harmful or unfavorable.
Synonym Clue–
The author includes a synonym, a word or brief phrase that means the same or close in meaning to the unfamiliar word, to help the reader understand the meaning of an unknown word.
Look for signal words and punctuation in the sentence to help identify context clues, such as: or, in other words, that is, also known as, sometimes called, just as, same as.....
- Synonym Clue:
After seeing the picture of the starving children, we all felt compassion, or pity, for their suffering.
Explanation:
The synonym "pity," set off by commas with the signal word "or," helps the reader understand that the meaning of "compassion" is the same as or related to "pity."
Antonym Clue–
The author includes an antonym, a word or phrase that means the opposite of another word, to help the reader understand the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
Look for signal words and punctuation in the sentence to help identify context clues, such as: but, in contrast, however, instead of, unlike, yet, not, on the other hand, though, whereas, although....
- Antonym Clue:
Religions in America are not static, but changing, expecially in this period of shifting values.
Explanation:
The antonym "changing" in combination with the signal word "but" helps the reader understand that the word "static" has an opposite meaning; therefore, "static" means unchanging.
General Knowlege or inference clue–
When you read, you often figure out the meaning of an unknown word through general knowledge or inference, a process that uses logic and reasoning skills. You must draw conclusions based on the information given with the word. Asking yourself questions about the passage may help you make an accurate guess at the meaning of the unfamiliar word. Use your background knowledge to help you understand the meaning.
Signal: the information may be something basically familiar to you within the passage or sentence.
- General knowledge clue:
A former employee, irate over having been fired, broke into the plant and deliberately wrecked several machines.
Explanation:
The sentence provides enough evidence to help the reader understand that the employee's state of mind was irrational and he/she was mad about being fired; therefore, one can conclude or infer that " irate " means "very angry."
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