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Words to Know

There are several types of context clues. Look at each example to see if you can find the meaning of the unknown word.

 

1) If the text contains a definition clue, the unknown word is explained by using a more familiar word or phrase. Some signal words are means, is/are known as, is/are/can be defined as, is/are called, refers to. Punctuation marks are help the reader, such as commas (,), dashes (--), or parentheses ().

A stray means any animal or person that is lost, has no home, or is separated from the group.

In this example:

  • stray = unknown word
  • means = signal word
  • any animal or person that is lost, has no home, or is separated from the group = definition

2. A restatement or synonym clue uses a word with the same meaning. Some signal words are or, in other words, that is to say, that is, i.e., to put in another way. Punctuation marks are help the reader, such as commas (,), dashes (--), or parentheses ().

Dr. Rogers says it is plausible, or possibly true, to hold your breath for 20 minutes.

In this example:

  • plausible = unknown word
  • or = signal word
  • possibly true = restatment

3. A comparison clue is shown to be the same as or like another word; the words too, like, as, similar to, or in the same way may be used to signal the comparison.

A man swerved to avoid a pothole in the road in the same way a child would turn aside abruptly when she saw her best friend.

In this example:

  • swerved = unknown word
  • in the same way = signal word
  • a child would turn aside abruptly when she saw her best friend = comparison

4. A contrast or antonym clue uses a word with the opposite meaning. Some signal words are but, although, on the other hand, however, though, on the contrary, yet, even though, while/as.

The evidence reinforces the arguments against the defendant, yet the defense attorney tries to undermine and weaken the case.

In this example:

  • reinforces = unknown word
  • yet = signal word
  • undermine and weaken = contrasting idea

5) An example clue provides specific examples to define or clarify the meaning; the words for instance, such as, with, like, especially, including, namely, and for example may be used as signals.

Some students coerce their peers into doing what they want like getting them to write their essay, convincing them to shoplift, or telling them to fight another.

In this example:

  • coerce = unknown word
  • like = signal word
  • getting them to write their essay, convincing them to shoplift, or telling them to fight another = example

6) List or series clues consist of a series of related words that give additional information to the word’s meaning. The word included can be a signal word.

The debris in the halls included gum, candy wrappers, mud, paper balls, and pencils.

In this example:

  • debris = unknown word
  • included = signal word
  • gum, candy wrappers, mud, paper balls, and pencils = list or series

7) Cause and effect clues are signaled by a cause and effect relationship between ideas. Some signal words are as a result, accordingly, because, since, consequently, for this reason, hence, if, then.

Since no one came to the first meeting, attendance for the second one is mandatory for all staff.

In this example:

  • mandatory = unknown word
  • since = signal word
  • no one came to the first meeting = cause

8) Description or inference clues can be inferred, or guessed, from the description of a situation or experience.

The students' vociferous chatter made me wish I had earplugs.

In this example:

  • vociferous = unknown word
  • chatter = description
  • made me wish I had earplugs = description for inference