Context Clues
Comparison/Synonym Context Clue Example: Bill felt remorse while Joe felt shame for the harsh words each spoke.
Word or brief phrase that is close in meaning. Comparison usually appears in the same sentence. Explanation: Remorse and shame are connected by "and" showing similarity. Therefore, remorse would be a synonym and close in meaning to the word shame.
Antonym
opposite meaning
Contrast/Antonym Context Clue Example: The picture of the landscape is picturesque but the one of the old house is ugly.
A word opposite in meaning to contrast the unknown word. Explanation: Picturesque is opposite of ugly. So picturesque would mean attractive or pretty.
What are the context clues for the word "dignity" in the sentence below? Even when the police officers put the handcuffs on my mother, she maintained her dignity, holding her head up high as she was marched off the protest site.
Context clues for dignity: Even when put the handcuffs on, holding her head up high
What are the context clues for the word "elegant " in the sentence below? Cassie took her time when she wrote in cursive, slowly making each word out of an elegant series of arcs and loops.
Context clues for elegant: took her time, wrote cursive, arcs and loops
What are the context clues for the word "injustice " in the sentence below? Kevin thought that it was a great injustice that girls could wear earrings in the school while the boys could not.
Context clues for injustice: girls could, boys could not
What are the context clues for the word "particle" in the sentence below? John was so hungry that he didn't leave a single particle of the muffin on the plate.
Context clues for particle: so hungry, didn't leave a single, of the muffin
What are the context clues for the word "splendidly" in the sentence below? The rays from the rising sun shined splendidly through our kitchen window.
Context clues for splendidly: rays from the rising sun
What is the definition of "dignity" in the sentence below? Even when the police officers put the handcuffs on my mother, she maintained her dignity, holding her head up high as she was marched off the protest site.
Definition of dignity: worthy of respect Explanation from context clues: She holds her head up high despite being in a compromising situation.
What is the definition for the word "elegant " in the sentence below? Cassie took her time when she wrote in cursive, slowly making each word out of an elegant series of arcs and loops.
Definition of elegant: beautiful and graceful Explanation from context clues: Since she is taking her time, she will have great penmanship.
What is the definition for the word "injustice " in the sentence below? Kevin thought that it was a great injustice that girls could wear earrings in the school while the boys could not.
Definition of injustice: something that is not right or fair Explanation from context clues: It seems unfair that the privilege of wearing jewelry is assigned based on gender.
What is the definition for the word "particle" in the sentence below? John was so hungry that he didn't leave a single particle of the muffin on the plate.
Definition of particle: a very small piece Explanation from context clues: A hungry person eats everything on the plate.
What is the definition for the word "splendidly " in the sentence below? The rays from the rising sun shined splendidly through our kitchen window.
Definition of splendidly: very bright; magnificent Explanation from context clues: Rays of sunshine are bright.
Definition Context Clue Example: Fossils are the remains of plants or animals from millions of years ago preserved in rock.
Definition provided for an unknown word within the text. Explanation: The sentence states, "Fossils are.." telling the reader that the definition follows and fossils mean "...the remains of plants or animals from millions of years ago preserved in rock."
Sometimes the clue is in another passage.
False
Example Context Clue Example: The bird's appetite is voracious. In one day he ate enough worms to equal three times his body weight.
Helps to explain or clarify a word. Explanation: The example illustrates that the bird ate an extraordinary amount, therefore voracious means extremely hungry or greedy.
Context Clue
Other words surrounding an unfamiliar word that provide clues or hints about the meaning of the unfamiliar word
Synonym
Same or similar meaning
Sometimes the clue is in the sentence before the word.
True
Inference/Logic and Reasoning Context Clues Example: The natives were hostile when the settlers approached their village. They lined up across the road and drew their weapons. The settlers were afraid to go further.
Use of prior knowledge to determine the meaning of the unknown word. Explanation: Hostile must mean unfriendly because the sentences after the word describe the natives lining up and drawing their weapons while the settlers became afraid.
