using words around unfamiliar words to figure out the meaning
Context clues are words or phrases that surround an unfamiliar word and provide hints to its meaning. Here are some strategies you can use to figure out the meaning of a word based on context:
1. Look for synonyms or antonyms: If the unfamiliar word is used in comparison to another word that you know, you can try to infer its meaning based on whether it is similar or opposite in meaning.
Example: The new employee was apprehensive about his first day, but his confident supervisor eased his worries. In this sentence, the unfamiliar word "apprehensive" can be inferred to mean nervous or worried based on the contrasting word "confident."
2. Pay attention to descriptive and limiting words: Often, words such as adjectives, adverbs, or prepositions can help you better understand the meaning of an unfamiliar word by giving context clues about its use and function.
Example: The basketball player had an impeccable record, having won every championship game for the past five years. In this sentence, the limiting word "every" helps to contextualize the meaning of the unfamiliar word "impeccable" as meaning perfect or flawless.
3. Use common prefixes, suffixes, or root words: Many English words are built from the same roots, prefixes, and suffixes. By recognizing these building blocks, you can often infer the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Example: The writer's manuscript was full of obscure vocabulary but lucid writing. In this sentence, the unfamiliar word "lucid" can be inferred to mean clear or understandable based on the root word "luc-" meaning light or shine.
4. Consider the tone and style: Sometimes the way an author writes can give you a clue to the meaning of an unfamiliar word. For example, if the tone is humorous or sarcastic, the meaning of the unfamiliar word may be ironic or contrary to the literal definition.
Example: The politician's speech was full of euphemisms that completely obscured the true meaning of his policies. In this sentence, the unfamiliar word "euphemisms" can be inferred to mean mild or indirect expressions used in place of harsh or unpleasant ones because the author is implying that the politician was hiding his true intentions.