What are context clues?

Context clues are hints that an author gives to help define a difficult or unusual word. The clue may appear within the same sentence as the word to which it refers, or it may follow in a preceding sentence. Because most of one's vocabulary is gained through reading, it is important that you be able to recognize and take advantage of context clues.

There are at least four kinds of context clues that are quite common:

1) a synonym (or repeat context clue) which appears in that sentence;

2) an antonym (or contrast context clue) that has the opposite meaning, which can reveal themeaning of an unknown term;

3) an explanation for an unknown word is given (a definition context clue) within thesentence or in the sentence immediately preceding; and

4) specific examples (details context clue) used to define the term.

There may also be word-part context clues in which a common prefix, suffix, or root will suggest at least part of the meaning of a word.

A general sense context clue lets the reader puzzle out a word meaning from

whatever information is available - and this is the most common kind of context clue.

Others describe context clues in three ways:

1) semantic or meaning clues, e.g., When reading a story about cats, good readers developthe expectation that it will contain words associated with cats, such as "tail," "purr," "scratch," and "whiskers";

2) syntactic or word order clues where the order of the words in a sentence can indicate whata missing word must be (for example, a verb); and

3) picture clues where illustrations help with the identification of a word.

There are three strategies that you can use to help you when you come across a word that you don't know. These three ways are:

1. Use Context Clues2. Use a Dictionary3. Use a Thesaurus

Sometimes you read or hear words that are new to you. Words that come before and after a new word may help you find its meaning. These clues are called context clues. Context Clues help you understand meanings of new words.

Example: The teacher talked about addition, subtraction, and geometry.

Geometry? That may be a new word for you! But, look at the words that came before it. Addition and subtraction are both math terms. Geometry is also a math term.

Sometimes you may need a dictionary to help find the meaning of a new word. A dictionary explains what a word means. You may need to look through many meanings to find the one that will make sense and explain what you are reading.

glory- 1. great honor and praise that is given to someone or something by others; fame. 2.something that brings great honor and praise. 3. brightness; great beauty and splendor.

For which meaning of glory is this an example sentence?

Example- The autumn leaves blazed in all their glory. For this example the best fit for the meaning of glory in this sentence would be number three. Brightness, great beauty and splendor is describing the autumn leaves.

Sometimes you may be reading or writing a word and may want to find another word that means the same thing (synonym) or maybe the opposite (antonym). A thesaurus is a great tool to use for just this occasion!

Example: The word is easy. Cathy completed the easy crossword puzzle.

Synonym (same)- Cathy completed the simple crossword puzzle.

Antonym (opposite)- Cathy completed the difficult crossword puzzle.

REMEMBER!

To find meanings for words you may not know, use:

• Context Clues-read before and after to help define words youmay not know.

• Dictionary-look it up-what does it mean. Read carefully, theremay be more than one meaning.

• Thesaurus-finding words that mean the same or the opposite.