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Explanation 3

The document discusses different types of context clues that can help readers understand the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases in a text. It provides examples of synonyms, definitions, antonyms, and explanations being used as context clues. Context clues offer insight directly or indirectly into parts of text that are difficult to understand.

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10 views

Explanation 3

The document discusses different types of context clues that can help readers understand the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases in a text. It provides examples of synonyms, definitions, antonyms, and explanations being used as context clues. Context clues offer insight directly or indirectly into parts of text that are difficult to understand.

Uploaded by

absyn021
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Examples of Context Clues

Sometimes, when we read a given portion of text, we're not entirely sure what's going
on. This is where context clues come in. Context clues provide further information
about a word or phrase that helps readers understand its meaning. These clues offer
insight - either directly or indirectly - into the portion of text that's difficult to
understand. Let's explore various examples of context clues to see how they work.

Synonyms as Context Clues

The most basic, and perhaps helpful, type of context clues are synonyms. If you can't
decipher a meaning, adding a few synonyms, or words with similar meanings, is a
surefire way to point to a word's meaning. Let's take a look at a few examples:
 It was an idyllic day - sunny, warm, and perfect for a walk in the park.
 She hums continuously, or all the time, and it annoys me.
 The crime he committed was egregious; he'll never recover from this horrendous
scandal.
 His animosity, or hatred, of his sister divided the family.
 Bill felt remorse, or shame, for his harsh words.
 This situation is a conundrum, a puzzle that's difficult to solve.

Definitions as Context Clues

A synonym is one way to understand meaning. But, how about a


straightforward definition? It's hard to misconstrue a context clue when the actual
definition is provided. Here are a few examples:
 The manager wanted a weekly inspection, which is a methodical examination of all
the equipment.
 Diane was lethargic; she didn't have the energy to get out of bed.
 The dates are listed in chronological order; they start at the beginning and end with
the last event.
 The doctor's writing was utterly illegible; no one could read those scribbles.
 She heard the cry of the banshee, a spirit that alludes to the death of a family member.
 He knew his future was precarious and likely to fall apart.

Antonyms as Context Clues


Sometimes, the best way to understand something is to understand what not to do or
what something isn't. In the same way, an antonym, or an opposite, can convey
meaning. If you point out the differences, you can come to understand each
component better.
 Marty is gregarious, unlike his brother who is quiet and shy.
 Attempting to avoid the accident was futile; it was impossible for either of them to
stop in time.
 This painting of the landscape is picturesque, while the one of the old house is just
plain ugly.
 The feral cat would not let us pet him, unlike our friendly cat.
 Our sweltering summer days were quickly replaced by the cold flashes of fall.
 She was virtuous, unlike her evil and conniving brother.

Explanations as Context Clues

Has a friend or family member ever asked you to just come right out with it?
Sometimes, readers don't want to search for your meaning. Instead, if you provide a
bigger picture and offer added detail or context, the reader will come to understand
the tricky word. Here are some examples:

 The team was elated because they just found out they placed in the semifinals.
 During the demonstration, a skirmish broke out so the police were called to restore
order.
 We know the dog has a kind disposition because we've never seen her bite or scratch
anyone.
 I called him a nuisance because he annoyed me with his incessant line of questioning.
 Something in the refrigerator is so putrid, a wave of odor wafted out when we opened
the door.
 It's no surprise he winced in pain after hitting his thumb with the hammer.
Decode Context Clues

Even the most esteemed intellectuals have to look up a word from time to time.
However, in the moments when we don't have access to our cell phones or laptops, a
couple strong context clues might help us understand a given line's meaning.

In the meantime, there are a couple ways to ward off your uncertainty surrounding
new words or phrases. Make it a goal to increase your vocabulary. These tips will
help you set sail on a lifetime of learning.

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