6. Context Clue: Definition / Explanation
Let’s have an example: (1)
The arbitrator,
,
What could be the definition of arbitrator
in this sentence ?
the neutral person
chosen to settle the dispute arrived at her decision.
- the neutral person chosen
to settle the dispute
arrived at her decision.
arbitrator
7. Context Clue: Definition / Explanation
Fluoroscopy, examination with a fluoroscope, has
become a common practice.
The commas before and after
“examination with a fluoroscope” point
out the definition of “fluoroscopy.”
The commas before and after
“examination with a fluoroscope” point
out the definition of “fluoroscopy.”
Let’s have an example: (2)
What could be the meaning of the word
fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopy – an examination with a fluoroscope
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
pipe” point out the definition of “dudeen.”
The dashes setting off “a short-stemmed clay
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 .
What does the word aloof mean in this
sentence?
unsociable and uninterested
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
He tried to smile because the mood of the party was not somber, but happy.
You know that somber must mean
something that is the opposite of
happy. In fact, it means sad or dreary.
You know that somber must mean
something that is the opposite of
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!
Let’s have an example: (5, 6)
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
hand” and “eager” tell us that Billy feels
the opposite of Joe, therefore, reluctant
means uncertain or cautious.
In this sentence the words “on the other
hand” and “eager” tell us that Billy feels
the opposite of Joe, therefore, reluctant
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
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
insane because the phrase "as crazy as a
Betsy bug" indicates insanity.
Dementia can be defined as being
insane because the phrase "as crazy as a
Betsy bug" indicates insanity.
Let’s have an example: (7)
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.”
The speaker was telling that she had a dull evening and that
she was bored at every minute of the conversation she had
with a friend.
The speaker was telling that she had a dull evening and that
she was bored at every minute of the conversation she had
with a friend.
What could the word vapid means?
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
by looking for clues in the second sentence.
The idiomatic phrase, "a free reign," can be defined
by looking for clues in the second sentence.
The nurse wants the freedom to discipline the two
children her way because she has noticed how
undisciplined they already are, and she is
determined to provide it all by herself.
The nurse wants the freedom to discipline the two
children her way because she has noticed how
undisciplined they already are, and she is
determined to provide it all by herself.
