Using Context Clues

Context Clues: Hints the author gives to help define a difficult or unusual word The clue may appear within the same sentence as the word to which it refers, or it may follow in the next sentence.

Examples: Mary retained (kept) the deed to her mother’s house. I wonder if that fruit is edible (able to be eaten).

Types of Context Clues: Synonyms Antonyms Explanation Example

Synonym and Antonym Clues: Authors may use word clues such as synonyms (words with almost the same meaning), or antonyms (words opposite in meaning) near the unfamiliar word. Examples: Reducing cholesterol has a number of beneficial results. One positive outcome is reducing the risk of heart disease. (Synonym clue) I despise liver, but I adore steak. (Antonym clue)

More Synonym Examples: Most castles had high walls and were surrounded by a water-filled ditch called a moat. The harlequin, like the circus clown, was a fool who loved to perform.

More Antonym Examples: Jerry is very clumsy, but his sister Jenny is adroit. Unlike his quiet and low-key family, Brad is garrulous.

Explanation examples: Sometimes the meaning of a word or phrase is explained immediately following its use. Etymology, which is the study of the origin of words, is part of the 9th grade curriculum.

Read the following sentences and try to choose the best definition for the italicized word by searching for context clues in the sentence.

unnecessary pointless out-of-date worthless 1. The designer window treatments in her house, installed 17 years ago, were outmoded. unnecessary pointless out-of-date worthless

This tells us they are most likely out of style or “out-of-date” 1. The designer window treatments in her house, installed 17 years ago, were outmoded. out-of-date The key words that help us determine the meaning in this sentence are: “installed 17 years ago” This tells us they are most likely out of style or “out-of-date”

2. The spies conducted a covert operation. dangerous foreign hidden illegal

2. The spies conducted a covert operation. hidden The key word here is “spies” Typically when one thinks of a spy, they think of things that are done secretly, or “hidden”

3. Mr. Powers was so gullible that he believed even the most outlandish excuses of his insincere employees. intelligent naïve dishonest critical

3. Mr. Powers was so gullible that he believed even the most outlandish excuses of his insincere employees. naïve Key words or phrase: “he believed even the most outlandish excuses” Remember, you can always use process of elimination to determine if the other choices would be correct. In this case, none of the other choices would be a good fit.