Understanding Vocabulary from Context

The context of a word is its environment or the words which surround it.  By looking closely at these surrounding words, the reader can pick up hints or clues which will help him with the meaning of a difficult word.  Research has shown that most good readers use context clues regularly.  It has also been shown that these readers are generally aware of the different types of context clues.  Knowing something about these different types can help sharpen word attack skills and improve overall reading ability.

Types of Context Clues

Clues supplied through synonyms:
Carly is fond of trite, worn-out expressions in her writing.  Her favorite is "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."

Clues contained in comparisons and contrasts:
As the trial continued, the defendant's guilt became more and more obvious.  With even the slightest bit of new evidence against him, there would be no chance of acquittal.

Clues contained in a definition or description:
Paul is a transcriptionist, a person who makes a written copy of a recorded message.

Clues through association with other words in the sentence:
Brian is considered the most troublesome student ever to have walked the halls of Central High School.  He has not passed a single class in his four years there and seldom makes it through an entire hour of class without falling asleep or getting sent to the office.  His teachers consider him completely incorrigible.

Clues which appear in a series:
The dulcimer, fiddle, and banjo are all popular among the Appalachian Mountain people.

Clues provided by the tone and setting:
The streets filled instantly with bellicose protesters, who pushed and shoved their way through the frantic bystanders.  The scene was no longer peaceful and calm as the marchers had promised it would be.

Clues derived from cause and effect:
Since no one came to the first voluntary work session, attendance for the second one is mandatory for all the members.


  
adapted from Sebranek, P., Meyer, V. Basic English Revisited: A Student Handbook

Using Clues to Figure Out Meanings of Words

Guide for Students

Reread the sentence.  Look for ideas and words that offer meaning clues.

Read the two or three sentences that precede the one that contains the unfamiliar word(s).  Look for meaning clues (i.e., synonyms or antonyms).

Read the two or three sentences that come after the one that contains the unfamiliar word(s). Look for meaning clues (i.e., synonyms or antonyms


Ask yourself: Have I seen or heard this word in another text or situation?  What do I recall?