Use context to identify the meaning of a word
key notes :
What is Context?
Context is the words and sentences around a word that help you understand its meaning.
Why Use Context Clues?
When you see a word you don’t know, context clues help you figure out its meaning without using a dictionary.
Types of Context Clues:
- Definition Clue: The word is explained right in the sentence.
Example: A habitat, or home, is where an animal lives. - Synonym Clue: A word with the same meaning is nearby.
Example: She was joyful and happy to see her friends. - Antonym Clue: A word with the opposite meaning helps you guess the word.
Example: Unlike his rude brother, Tom is polite and kind. - Example Clue: Examples are given to show what the word means.
Example: Many mammals, such as lions, bears, and humans, have backbones. - Inference Clue: You use your own reasoning and background knowledge to understand the word.
Example: He sprinted to the bus because he was late. (Sprinted = ran fast)
Steps to Identify Word Meaning Using Context:
- Step 1: Read the entire sentence or paragraph.
- Step 2: Look for clues (definitions, synonyms, antonyms, or examples).
- Step 3: Think about what would make sense in that place.
- Step 4: Try replacing the unknown word with a guess and reread to check if it fits.
Practice Makes Perfect:
The more you read, the easier it becomes to understand words using context clues.
Learn with an example
Read the passage and then answer the question.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest of the ancient Egyptian pyramids. When completed around 2560 BCE, it stood 147 metres high, as tall as a modern 44-storey building. The Great Pyramid was the world’s tallest building for more than three thousand years. More than two million huge stone blocks were used to construct it. The builders of the pyramid positioned it meticulously so that it perfectly faces true north. Scientists aren’t sure how the ancient Egyptians knew how to place the base. Experts also disagree about how those huge blocks were moved into place. They don’t even fully understand the design of the inside of the pyramid. More work must be done to solve these mysteries.
What is the meaning of meticulously as used in the passage?
- carefully, with attention to detail
- happily, without any hesitation
- with many people pushing
- in a great hurry
As used in the passage, meticulously means carefully, with attention to detail.
Read the passage and then answer the question.
A porcupine has an excellent defense against most predators. Porcupines are covered with sharp, needle-like quills. They use these to puncture the skin of any predator that tries to attack. The fisher cat, however, has found a way around a porcupine’s defenses. The fisher cat isn’t big, but it is very fierce and has sharp teeth. It attacks the porcupine’s face, where it has no quills. When the porcupine is tired or injured, the fisher cat can then roll its prey over to finish the attack.
What is the meaning of puncture as used in the passage?
- confuse
- burn
- pierce
- tickle
As used in the passage, puncture means pierce.