Context Clues Context is the situation in which a word or expression is used. Details in the surrounding text give you clues to the word’s meaning.

Types of Context Clues Definition The word is directly and clearly defined in the sentence in which it appears. Example: “The arbitrator, the neutral person chosen to settle the dispute, arrived at her decision.”

Types of Context Clues Continued Antonym Often signaled by the words whereas, unlike, or as opposed to. Examples: 1) Unlike Jamaal’s room, which was immaculate, Jeffrey’s room was very messy. 2) Whereas Margo is quite lithe, her sister is clumsy and awkward.

Types of Context Clues Continued Inference Word meanings are not directly described, but need to be inferred from the context. Examples: Walt’s pugnacious behavior made his opponent back down. The man gigged the large fish, but he needed his friend to enlarge the hole to drag it out of the frigid water.

Types of Context Clues Continued Synonym (or restatement): Other words are used in the sentence with similar meanings. Example: The slender woman was so thin her clothes were too big on her.

Let’s try some together… Don’t be cowed by other’s attitudes. Speak your mind.  opened silenced determined closed

Another practice question: Don’t feel abashed when you make a mistake.    determined embarrassed satisfied welcome

Another practice question: I had a sense of vulnerability when the moose attacked me.  self-destructiveness forgetfulness power weakness

Try some on your own. Work with a partner to choose the best synonym for the italicized word. Write down what TYPE of context clue was used next to each problem.