Guessing the Meaning of a Word From Affixation From Context 1). Definition clues 2). Example clues 3). Contrast clues 4). Inference clues

Guessing the Meaning of a Word ---from affixation The stem, or root, is the central part of a word, bearing the basic meaning of the word. Affixes attached to the beginning of stems are called prefixes; while suffixes are those attached to the end of the stems. Generally, prefix changes the meaning of a word, while suffix usually changes the part of speech of a word.

Guessing the Meaning of New Words ---from affixation

Guessing the Meaning of New Words ---from context 1). Definition Clues e.g. Alphabetism, for those as yet unaware of such a disadvantage, refers to discrimination against those whose surnames begin with a letter in the lower half of the alphabet. signal words: be, means, is called, refer to, be defined as, be known as, be thought of as, be seen as, be regarded as, be described as

Guessing the Meaning of New Words ---from context 2). Example Clues e.g. Orthopterans, such as crickets, grasshoppers, and cockroaches, thrive in damp conditions. signal words: such as, including, for example, for instance, to illustrate

Guessing the Meaning of New Words ---from context 3). Contrast Clues e.g. During the concert the audience was quiet, but afterward the crowd became boisterous. signal words: unlike, dislike, be different from, differ from, but, while, whereas, however, nevertheless, although, even though, despite, on the other hand; like, similarly, similar to

Guessing the Meaning of New Words ---from context 4). Inference Clues e.g. My father is a versatile man; he is a successful businessman, sportsman, author, and sports car mechanic.

Guessing the Meaning of New Words Limitations to Context Clues Approach 1. The meaning we get from context clues is usually vague and very general. 2. Context clues do not always work.