What Are Context Clues? Definition and Examples Of Context Clues

WHAT ARE CONTEXT CLUES – Here are some of the most common types of context clues and their examples.

The hints we find that help us define a difficult or unusual word are called context clues. It can appear within the same sentence or it may follow in a preceding sentence. Here are some types of their and some examples.

Context Clues – Definition and Examples Of Context Clues

This is the meaning of context clues and their examples.

CONTEXT CLUES – When you come across an unfamiliar word while reading, a context clue is a big help and this is what it means.

We are often faced with words that are unfamiliar to us. We come across these words in books and other reading materials. And when this happens, how do you try to understand its meaning?

Most of the time, we use context clues and these help us understand the words we’ve never heard of. What is this?

These are the hints and clues we find within a sentence, paragraph, or passage. We learn a new or unfamiliar word by observing how it is used in a sentence or paragraph. And this, by far, is the most practical way to broaden or build our vocabulary.

These are the most common types:

Synonym – using words with the same meaning in a sentence

Examples:

Her story is purely fabricated. All of her narration is totally made up.
The annual bazaar of the school will fall in August. This is always a fun festival.
It was an idyllic day – sunny, warm, and perfect for a walk in the park.
I was lethargic; I didn’t have the energy to go to school.

Antonym – a word or words which have the opposite definition.

Examples:

He’s opposed to the hilarious idea but we were supportive of it.
When the light brightens, the pupils of the eyes contract; however, when it grows darker, they dilate.]
I have always been gregarious, unlike my sister who is quiet and shy.

Explanation – the unfamiliar word is explained within the sentence or paragraph.

Examples:

We know the dog has a kind disposition because we’ve never seen her bite or scratch anyone.
I find him a nuisance because his incessant line of questioning annoys me.
Something in the refrigerator is so rotting, I was welcomed by an unpleasant smell when I opened it.

Example – wherein the text provides examples for the undefined word.

Examples:

Celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, are governed by predictable laws.
Pedagogical institutions like kindergartens, high schools, and colleges, need support from the community in order to function efficiently.

Basically, the context clues are used to suggest meaning, conceal meaning, and exposed meaning.