Using Context Clues

You can often determine the meaning of a word from its context - that is, from the way the word is used in a sentence. Since authors may give context clues that help determine the meanings of unfamiliar words, it is important that you know the major types of clues and how to use them.

TYPE OF CLUE	EXPLANATION	EXAMPLE
Definition	The unknown word is connected to a more familiar word or phrase; usually a form of to be is used.	Entomology is the study of insects
Restatement of Synonym	The meaning is usually right after the unfamiliar word and often separated from the rest of the sentence with commas, dashes, or parentheses; sometimes or, that is, or in other words is used.	Meat eaters, or carnivores, are at the top of the food chain. She enjoyed biology (the study of living things).
Contrast or Antonym	The unfamiliar word is shown to be different from or unlike another word and is often an opposite; but, however, although, otherwise, unless, instead, on the contrary, on the other hand, while, never, no, or not may be used to signal the contrast.	Mike's parrot was loquacious but Maria's said very little.
Comparison	The unfamiliar word is shown to be the same as or like another word; too, like, as, similar to, or in the same way may be used to signal the comparison.	My brother is enthralled by birds in the same way that I am fascinated by insects.
Example	The unfamiliar word is cleared up by giving an example: for instance, such as, and for example may be used as signals.	The archeologist found different amulets, such as a rabbit's foot and bags of herbs, near the ancient altar.
List or Series	The unfamiliar word is included in a series of related words that give an idea of the word's meaning.	North American predators include grizzly bears, pumas, wolves, and foxes.
Cause and Effect	The meaning of an unfamiliar word is signaled by a cause- and-effect relationship between ideas in the text.	Due to a dearth of termites, the aardvark starved to death.
Description or Inference	The meaning of an unfamiliar word can be inferred from the description of a situation or experience.	The monkeys' vociferous chatter made me wish I had earplugs.