Understand the Meaning of Words and Phrases

Use Context Clues to Determine the Meaning of a Word

The examples below show four types of relationships between ideas that help you see the meaning of an unknown word. Two parts of each sentence are underlined for you. The relationship between those two parts can help you identify the meaning of the italicized word:

1. Example/Description – These clues explain, describe, clarify or give an actual example of the unknown word. Some words that may signal an example or description are for example, for instance, including, meaning, such as...

For example:

When I procrastinate by putting off working on a project until just before it is due, it is usually not my best work.

Procrastinate = putting off

2. Antonyms/Contrast – An Antonym is a word with an opposite meaning. Sometimes there is one word (or phrase) in the sentence that means the opposite of the unknown word. Some words that may signal an antonym/contrast are yet, but, however, on the other hand, in contrast...

For example:

Instead of Kathryn being demoted as she had feared, she was moved up to a new and more challenging job that paid more.

"Moved up" is the opposite of "demoted"

3. Synonyms/Comparison – A synonym is a word with a similar or identical meaning. There is sometimes one word (or phrase) in the sentence that means the same or almost the same as the unknown word. Words that sometimes signal a synonym are comparison transitions: similar, just as, equally, the same as, like...

For example:

Her predicament presented her with the same difficult situation she had faced the year before, when her family moved for the first time.

A predicament is similar to a difficult situation.

4. General Sense (General Knowledge) – With these types of context clues, you'll need to draw conclusions based on the information given and perhaps some personal experience or insight

For example:

If you've ever gone on a blind date, you've probably experienced that moment of trepidation just before you meet your date for the first time.

In this case trepidation might mean nervousness, fright, anxiety, etc. In this example you can only determine the meaning by using your knowledge or experience about blind dates.

Synonyms and antonyms will be explored further in the next section.