All readers encounter unfamiliar words as they read. Years of education and many teachers' voices in ringing in readers' ears may tell them to stop, take out a dictionary and try to find the definition; however, this would make the reading process long and would ruin any chance of comprehending or understanding what is read. Good readers learn how to use the information given in the text and quickly decide what the word means or decide if they need know the meaning of a particular word.
Using the information, hints or clues to help understand unfamiliar words is called using context clues. Several types of context clues can help you decode or understand new words.
Definition
Clue: "Is" "Means"
A mentor is a wise teacher.
His truculent attitude means that he never agrees with anyone and is always ready to fight.
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Synonym
Words are often paired with more familiar words with the same meaning.
Clue: "Or"
When she acts like a sycophant or brown-noser, even her best friend doesn't want to be around her.
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Explanation
He was very surreptitious as he secretly and quietly broke into the house late at night.
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Antonym
Using signal words such as although, but, however, will help you recognize a change of meaning.
Don's brothers and sisters are talkative; however, he is more reticent.
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Example
Look for signal words: like, such as
Debilitating illnesses like cancer and Parkinson's often make it impossible for the patient to continue with day-to-day activities. |
Knowledge of Subject
The number of bears has dwindled because the encroachment of humans into their living area has caused them to have to move from their traditional homes.
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