5. Types of Context Clues
1. Definition / Explanation
The new term may be formally defined, or sufficient
explanation may be given within the sentence or in the
following sentence.
Clues to definition include “that is,” commas,
dashes, and parentheses.
6. Context Clue: Definition / Explanation
Let’s have an example: (1)
The arbitrator, the neutral person
chosen to settle the dispute arrived at her decision.
,
What could be the definition of arbitrator
in this sentence ?
arbitrator - the neutral person chosen
to settle the dispute
7. Context Clue: Definition / Explanation
Let’s have an example: (2)
Fluoroscopy, examination with a fluoroscope, has
become a common practice.
What could be the meaning of the word
fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopy – an examination with a fluoroscope
The commas before and after
The commas before and after
“examination with a fluoroscope” point
“examination with a fluoroscope” point
out the definition of “fluoroscopy.”
out the definition of “fluoroscopy.”
8. Context Clue: Definition / Explanation
Now, you try!
The dudeen – a short-stemmed clay pipe – is
found in Irish folk tales.
What could be the definition of dudeen in this
sentence?
dudeen – a short-stemmed clay pipe
The dashes setting off “a short-stemmed clay
The dashes setting off “a short-stemmed clay
pipe” point out the definition of “dudeen.”
pipe” point out the definition of “dudeen.”
9. Types of Context Clues
2. Restatement / Synonyms
The meaning is usually right after the unfamiliar word
and often separated from the rest of the sentence with
commas, dashes, or parenthesis; sometimes or, that
is or in other words is used.
10. Context clue: Restatement / Synonyms
Let’s have an example: (3)
The mountain pass was a tortuous road, winding and twisting
like a snake around the trees of the mountainside.
What could be the definition of tortuous
in this sentence?
“Tortuous” means “winding and twisting.”
“Tortuous” means “winding and twisting.”
11. Context clue: Restatement / Synonyms
Let’s have an example: (4)
Flooded with spotlights – the focus of all attention – the new
Miss America began her year-long reign. She was the cynosure
of all eyes for the rest of the evening.
What could be the definition of the word
cynosure in this sentence?
“Cynosure” means “the focus of all attention.”
“Cynosure” means “the focus of all attention.”
12. Context clue: Restatement / Synonyms
Now, you try!
The young girl was very aloof. She always
seemed unsociable and uninterested .
What does the word aloof mean in this
sentence?
Aloof -
13. Types of Context Clues
3. Contrast / Antonym
An opposite meaning context clue contrasts the
meaning of an unfamiliar word with the meaning
of a familiar term.
but, however, although, otherwise, unless,
instead, on the other hand, while, never, no, or
not may be used to signal the contrast.
14. Context clue: contrast / antonym
Let’s have an example: (5, 6)
He tried to smile because the mood of the party was not somber, but happy.
You know that somber must mean
You know that somber must mean
something that is the opposite of
something that is the opposite of
happy. In fact, it means sad or dreary.
happy. In fact, it means sad or dreary.
David was very outgoing as opposed to his coy older sister.
Hint word
Coy must mean shy!
Coy must mean shy!
15. Context clue: antonyms and contrast
Now, you try!
Joe was reluctant to take the job of captain of the team. He
was afraid that the time it would take would hurt his grades.
On the other hand, Billy was eager for the chance to be the
team captain.
What does the word reluctant mean in this paragraph?
In this sentence the words “on the other
In this sentence the words “on the other
hand” and “eager” tell us that Billy feels
hand” and “eager” tell us that Billy feels
the opposite of Joe, therefore, reluctant
the opposite of Joe, therefore, reluctant
means uncertain or cautious.
means uncertain or cautious.
16. Types of Context Clues
4. Inference/General Context Clues
The meaning of an unfamiliar word can be
inferred from the description of a situation or
experience
17. Context Clues: inference/ general
Let’s have an example: (7)
Dementia almost overcame Lou when she stepped
off the train at Rainwater Ridge and felt as crazy as
a Betsy bug as she realized how different her new
life would be.
Dementia can be defined as being
Dementia can be defined as being
insane because the phrase "as crazy as a
insane because the phrase "as crazy as a
Betsy bug" indicates insanity.
Betsy bug" indicates insanity.
18. Context Clues: inference/ general
Let’s have an example: (8)
She told her friend, “I’m through with blind dates forever. What
a dull evening! I was bored every minute. The conversation was
absolutely vapid.”
What could the word vapid means?
The speaker was telling that she had a dull evening and that
The speaker was telling that she had a dull evening and that
she was bored at every minute of the conversation she had
she was bored at every minute of the conversation she had
with a friend.
with a friend.
The most logical guess would be uninteresting.
The most logical guess would be uninteresting.
19. Context Clues: inference/ general
Now, you try!
The nurse in Wish You Well states that she would "...require a free
reign in overseeing the children. These two need discipline, and I
intend to provide it."
The idiomatic phrase, "a free reign," can be defined
The idiomatic phrase, "a free reign," can be defined
by looking for clues in the second sentence.
by looking for clues in the second sentence.
The nurse wants the freedom to discipline the two
The nurse wants the freedom to discipline the two
children her way because she has noticed how
children her way because she has noticed how
undisciplined they already are, and she is
undisciplined they already are, and she is
determined to provide it all by herself.
determined to provide it all by herself.
