Analyzing Context Clues A Strategy for Building Your Vocabulary

What is a context clue? A context clue is a clue or a hint you can get about the meaning of an unfamiliar word from the words or text around it. Context clues come in various forms. You should learn to recognize various context clues as a strategy to figure out unknown words. The following slides introduce several different kinds of context clues you can use.

Look for these common Types of context clues Definition Synonym Antonym Example Inference

Context Clue- Definition A definition of the word is embedded in the text From the end of the Civil War in 1865 to the early 1950’s, many public schools in both the North and the South were segregated, that is separated or restricted according to race. Segregated means separated or restricted according to race. Pay attention to the words that are defined or restated by context clues.

Context Clue-Synonym Slender means thin. Other words are used in the sentence with similar meanings The slender lady was so thin her jeans were too big on her. Slender means thin. Pay attention to the words that are restated by context clues.

Context Clue- Antonym Other words are used in the sentence with opposite meanings. Often signaled by the words whereas, unlike, or as opposed to. Unlike Jasmine’s room, which was immaculate, Jessica’s room was very messy. Immaculate means the opposite of messy, or neat and clean.

Pay attention to the examples given. Context Clue- Example The text gives examples that indicate the words meaning. Pay attention to the examples given. Legitimate forms of protest include signing petitions, writing letters to the editor, and holding peaceful demonstrations. Legitimate means acceptable or legal.

Context Clue - inference Word meanings are not directly described, but need to be inferred from the context. Pay attention to the meaning of the entire sentence. What makes sense? The man gigged the large frog, but he needed his friend to help him get it off of the spikes of the gig pole. Gigged means speared with a multi-prong pole with barbs

Practice- Identify which type of context clue Figure out the meanings of the bold words by the context clues in the sentences. What kind of clues are they? Whereas Melody is quite lithe, her brother is clumsy and awkward. Tim was known to be a cad, treating others without respect or kindness. Grace shared many traits with her sister, including attributes like honesty and humor. The arbitrator, a neutral person asked to settle the dispute, arrived at his decision. Will’s pugnacious conduct made his challenger back down.

Practice- Answers Whereas Melody is quite lithe, her brother is clumsy and awkward. Antonym (lithe means agile, not clumsy) Tim was known to be a cad, treating others without respect or kindness. Example (a cad is unkind and disrespectful) Grace shared many traits with her sister, including attributes like honesty and humor. Synonym (traits are attributes) The arbitrator, a neutral person asked to settle the dispute, arrived at his decision. Definition (arbitrator is a neutral person asked to settle disputes) Will’s pugnacious conduct made his challenger back down. Inference (infer that since challenger backed down, Will’s conduct must have been aggressive)