CONTEXTUAL CLUES

Contextual clues are hints found within a sentence, paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words. Learning the meaning of a word through its use in a sentence or paragraph is the most practical way to build vocabulary.

​UNIT 2 "HISTORY'S A MYSTERY

1. DEFINITION / DESCRIPTION CLUE

The new term may be formally defined, or sufficient explanation may be given within the sentence or in the following sentence. Clues to definition include “that is,” commas, dashes, and parentheses.

Examples:

a. Children have been able to get a real feel for the enormous size that is most of the creatures live in the sea

​SEVERAL TYPES TO FIND CONTEXTUAL CLUES

​“most of the creatures” is the definition of “enormous.”

2. EXAMPLE CLUES

Sometimes when a reader finds a new word, an example might be found nearby that helps to explain its meaning. Words like including, such as, and for example, point out example clues.
Example:
a. For example, the underground chambers are well preserved, though they have long been emptied of their contents. Those are the family tombs.

​SEVERAL TYPES TO FIND CONTEXTUAL CLUES

​“the underground chambers” is the example of “tombs.”

3. SYNONYM RESTATEMENT CLUE

The reader may discover the meaning of an unknown word because it repeats an idea expressed in familiar words nearby. Synonyms are words with the same meaning.
Example:
a. A casket of treasure were found in the desert. It consisted of gold and metal.

​SEVERAL TYPES TO FIND CONTEXTUAL CLUES

​“gold and metal” are the synonym of “treasure.”

4. CONTRAST / ANTONYM CLUE

Antonyms are words with opposite meanings. An opposite meaning context clue contrasts the meaning of an unfamiliar word with the meaning of a familiar term. Words like “although,” “however,” and “but” may signal contrast clues.
Example:
a. The thieves have catched up by the police since two hours ago.

“thieves” means the opposite of "police.

​SEVERAL TYPES TO FIND CONTEXTUAL CLUES