Context Clues

Context clues are like hints or clues that you find around an unfamiliar word or phrase in a text. These hints help you figure out the meaning of the word, even if you’ve never seen it before. Context clues are like little detectives that work together with the rest of the sentence or paragraph to help you understand what’s going on.

When you come across a word you don’t know, don’t worry! Look around that word for some special hints. Here are the different types of context clues you can find:

Synonyms: Sometimes, the sentence gives you a word that means the same or nearly the same as the unfamiliar word. This helps you figure out what the unknown word might mean.

Antonyms: Other times, the sentence may have words that mean the opposite of the unfamiliar word. This can still give you clues about its meaning.

Examples or Explanations: The sentence might give you examples or explanations that help you understand what the unfamiliar word is all about.

Definitions or Restatements: Sometimes, the sentence will directly tell you what the unfamiliar word means.

Punctuation Marks: Pay attention to commas, dashes, or parentheses around the unfamiliar word. These can help you get a sense of its meaning.

When you put all these clues together, they work like a puzzle, helping you unlock the meaning of the new word! So, next time you find a tricky word, use your context clue detectives to help you figure out what it’s trying to say. Happy reading, word detectives!