DIANA CASON, BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT

WHAT’S WRONG WITH USING A DICTIONARY TO LOOK UP AN UNFAMILIAR WORD? Slows you down Disrupts the flow of your reading and thought process A dictionary isn’t always available Some words have multiple meanings

INSTEAD, USE YOUR DETECTIVE SKILLS TO “INVESTIGATE” A WORD’S MEANING. CONTEXT Words surrounding an unfamiliar word that give clues about its meaning

HOW DO CONTEXT CLUES WORK? Since it was raining outside, I used my ________ to keep from getting wet.

My math book cost over a $100. I just booked my flight to Chicago. Greg was booked on DUI charges. CONTEXT CAN CHANGE A WORD’S MEANING.

TYPES OF CONTEXT CLUES Definition Synonym Antonym Example

DEFINITION CLUES Found immediately after the word Often punctuation is used to draw attention to the definition (commas or dashes) Signal words = refers to, or, can be defined as, means, is Hydrocortisone Hydrocortisone, a steroid hormone, is used in the treatment of rheumatism.

SYNONYMS Words that have similar meanings “rich” and “wealthy” Signal words = or, also called, in other words assuage Although the salesperson tried to assuage the angry customer, there was no way to soothe her. Assuage = soothe (calm down, satisfy)

ANTONYMS Words that have opposite meanings “rich” and “poor” innocuous Many snakes are poisonous, but others are innocuous and pose no danger. Innocuous = harmless

EXAMPLES Signal words = for example, for instance, such as, like, including decorum When attending an office party, it is important to show your best decorum, such as dressing appropriately, eating moderately, and thanking your host or hostess before leaving. decorum = manners, good behavior

PRACTICE indolent 1. The indolent employee did absolutely nothing and was eventually fired. nefarious 2. Silvia’s nefarious activities landed her in jail. garrulous 3. As she finished her third drink, Trish became increasingly garrulous, talking about everything from her cat’s eating habits to her most recent therapy session.