The _____________ and the __________________ serve as clues to the meaning of a word.
context, surrounding words
The context and the surrounding words serve as clues to the meaning of a word.
To determine the meaning of a word using context clues, you can follow these steps:
1. Read the surrounding text: Pay attention to the sentences and paragraphs that contain the word you want to understand. Look for any information that provides hints about the word's meaning.
2. Look for synonyms and antonyms: Sometimes, a word with a similar meaning (synonym) or opposite meaning (antonym) is used nearby. These words can provide valuable context clues.
3. Consider the tone and mood: Take into account the overall mood or emotion conveyed in the text. This can help you infer the meaning of unknown words.
4. Analyze word parts: Break down the word into its root, prefix, and suffix. This can give you insights into its meaning. Look for familiar word parts that you have encountered before.
5. Look for definitions or explanations: Occasionally, an author may provide a definition or explanation of a word directly in the text or through parentheses or footnotes. Pay attention to these additional clues.
By using these strategies and paying close attention to the context and surrounding words, you can effectively determine the meaning of a word.