Use context to identify the meaning of a word

Key Notes:

What are Context Clues?

When you encounter a new word, don’t panic! Context clues are hints within the surrounding text that can help you understand the word’s meaning. Think of yourself as a detective, using the clues available to solve the mystery of the unknown word.

Types of Context Clues

Definition: The word is directly defined in the sentence. Example: An aviary, a large enclosure for birds, is a popular attraction at the zoo.

Synonym: The sentence uses a similar word to explain the unknown word. Example: The old house was dilapidated, run-down and in need of repair.

Antonym: The sentence uses a word with the opposite meaning to reveal the meaning of the unknown word. Example: Unlike her brother, who is quite gregarious, Sarah is reserved and shy.

Inference: The meaning is not directly stated but can be inferred from the surrounding sentences. Example: The scientist carefully examined the petri dish, observing the bacteria growing inside. She noted the color, texture, and quantity of the colonies.

Practice Time!

Instructions: Read each sentence or short paragraph and use context clues to determine the meaning of the bolded word. Write your definition in the space provided.

• The antique vase was so fragile that I was afraid to even touch it; it looked like it could break at any moment.
• Fragile means:
• The arduous climb up the mountain left us exhausted, but the view from the top was worth the effort.
• Arduous means:
• Because the defendant continued to be belligerent, the judge had him removed from the court room.
• Belligerent means:
• The author was known for her prolific output; she published several novels each year.
• Prolific means:
• Despite his efforts to appear brave, his trepidation was obvious; he was visibly trembling and sweating.
• Trepidation means:

Wrapping Up

Today, we learned how to become word detectives by using context clues. We explored different types of context clues—definition, synonym, antonym, and inference—and practiced identifying the meaning of unfamiliar words. Remember, context clues are your friend! Keep practicing, and you’ll become a master at understanding new vocabulary.

Let’s practice!

Read the passage and then answer the question.

There are nearly thirty thousand different species of wasps. Wasps come in myriad colours, everything from the familiar yellow-and-black to metallic blue. Some are solitary species that live without the benefit of a colony or group. Others, like yellow jackets and hornets, are social insects, meaning that they live in colonies and build large communal nests. Each species has its own unique characteristics.

One newly discovered species, a reddish-black wasp native to Thailand, is notable for the way it hunts cockroaches. First, it injects venom into a cockroach to incapacitate it. Then the wasp drags the paralysed cockroach back to its nest and lays eggs in its body. With time, larvae hatch from the eggs and consume the cockroach’s body. This disturbing practice inspired the name Ampulex dementor, reflecting the wasps’ similarity to the soul-sucking dementors in the Harry Potter book series.