Context Clues Look for the Clues

What does context mean? Context is the words, phrases, and sentences that surround the unknown word. Often the context contains clues that help you figure out the meaning of the word. Look for: Definitions Synonyms Antonyms Examples

Multiple Meaning Words Most words have more than one meaning. When you read, choose the meaning that fits the context. kind pupil head leaves

Look for Definitions Watch for definitions defined near a word. Sometimes you’ll see words and phrases – such as or, that is, and in other words – with a definition right after it .   The quartermaster is the army officer in charge of supplies. Notice that the meaning of the word quartermaster is given right after it.

Look for Synonyms Synonyms = Same Watch for words that repeat the same meaning. Open the window to let the air circulate, or move around.   You probably see that circulate and move around are synonyms. Synonyms = Same

Look for Antonyms Antonyms = Opposites Watch for words with opposite meanings. Sometimes authors use them to make a point.   To their surprise, they were commended for their actions, not scolded. The author uses the antonyms commended and scolded to show that the kids were surprised. Antonyms = Opposites

Look for Examples Watch for examples that explain what a word means. Examples often follow words or phrases, such as for example, such as, like, and especially. The frisky kittens ran up and down the stairs, jumped up on the tables, and chased each other around the bedroom.   The word frisky is unfamiliar, but you soon learn that ran, jumped, and chased are all action words so this is what the author is referring to as frisky because it describes an action.

Using context clues is like making inferences Using context clues is like making inferences. You put together the clues in the passage with what you know, or your schema, to determine the meaning of the word. Always check your guess by using the meaning in the sentences.