LEARN · PRACTISE · DISCOVER
Context Clues
Word parts are powerful, but not every word can be broken apart. Luckily, there is another set of clues all around an unfamiliar word: the sentence and paragraph it sits in. This is called context. Skilled readers use context clues constantly, often without noticing. In this lesson you will learn five types of context clues and practise using them.
Five types of context clues
1. Definition clues
The writer explains the word directly, often using words like is, means, refers to, or commas, dashes and brackets.
The animal is nocturnal, which means it is active at night.
2. Synonym clues
A nearby word has a similar meaning. Look for or, also, like or a repeated idea.
The old house was dilapidated; its run-down porch was missing several boards.
The phrase run-down tells you dilapidated means in poor condition.
3. Antonym clues
A nearby word has the opposite meaning. Look for signal words like but, however, unlike, instead and although.
Unlike her gregarious brother, Maya was shy and preferred to be alone.
Since Maya is shy and the sentence says unlike, gregarious must mean sociable or outgoing.
4. Example clues
The writer gives examples that show what the word means. Look for such as, for example, including and like.
The museum displays artefacts, such as ancient pots, coins and tools.
The examples show that artefacts are objects made by people long ago.
5. Inference clues
Sometimes there is no direct hint. You must use the overall situation and your own knowledge to infer the meaning.
After running the marathon, Leo was so famished that he ate three plates of pasta.
Nothing defines famished, but someone who just ran a long race and ate three plates of food must have been extremely hungry.
Summary of signal words
| Clue type | Signal words |
|---|---|
| Definition | is, means, refers to, commas, brackets |
| Synonym | or, also, like, similarly |
| Antonym | but, however, unlike, instead, although |
| Example | such as, for example, including |
| Inference | no signal words; use the whole situation |
Combining strategies
The strongest readers combine context clues with word parts.
Example
The two countries signed a multilateral agreement, joining with several of their neighbours to protect the river.
- Word parts: multi- means many, lateral means side.
- Context: “joining with several of their neighbours”.
- Meaning: an agreement involving many sides or many countries.
Check your guess
After you make a guess, substitute your meaning back into the sentence. If it makes sense, you probably understood correctly. If not, try another clue or check a dictionary.
Clues across sentences
Context clues are not always in the same sentence. Sometimes the meaning becomes clear only in the next sentence or later in the paragraph. The town’s water supply was contaminated. Officials warned residents to boil all drinking water until further notice. The second sentence shows that contaminated means polluted or made unsafe. If the first sentence does not help, keep reading before you give up or reach for a dictionary.
Key takeaways
- Context clues are hints in the surrounding text.
- The five types are definition, synonym, antonym, example and inference.
- Signal words like “but”, “such as” and “means” point to clues.
- Combine context clues with word parts, then check your meaning in the sentence.
Practice
Identify the clue type and the meaning of each bold word:
- The path was treacherous; it was icy, narrow and dangerous.
- Although the first test was simple, the second was arduous.
- She enjoys aquatic sports, such as swimming, diving and water polo.
Answers: 1 synonym clue; treacherous means dangerous. 2 antonym clue (although); arduous means difficult and tiring. 3 example clue, plus the root aqua; aquatic means relating to water.