Learning New Words Ways to Learn Vocabulary O

Learning New Words

Ways to Learn Vocabulary O Context O Word Parts O Dictionary O Today we’ll be looking at context clues.

Context Clues O Context: The surroundings of something. O The context of a word is the words and sentences around that word. O We will look at four clues that context can give us: O Definition O Synonym O Antonym O Inference

Definition Clue O Definition clues are present when the author gives the definition of a word in a sentence. O The definition is often introduced with a word like “or, ” “meaning, ” or “in other words. ” O The definition often has commas or parentheses around it.

Definition Clue: Examples O A matushka (the wife of an Orthodox Christian priest) came slowly into the church. O One of the lessons parents must teach their children is not to dissemble (in other words, not to lie). O One big problem for prisoners is that they develop a sense of apathy, or lack of caring, about their situation.

Synonym Clue O A synonym clue happens when the context includes a word that is similar in meaning to the word you don’t know. O Words like “and, ” “like, ” and “also” can tell you that you may be seeing a synonym clue.

Synonym Clue: Example O My laconic uncle is like my grandpa, who doesn’t talk very much. O What does “laconic” mean? O How do you know?

Antonym Clue O An antonym clue happens when the context includes a word that is the opposite of the word you don’t know. O Words like “but, ” “different, ” and “instead” can tell you that you may be seeing an antonym clue.

Antonym Clue: Example O My laconic uncle is the exact opposite of my loquacious mother! O What does “loquacious” mean? O How do you know?

Inference Clue O An inference is an educated guess. O Inferences are important for many parts of reading. They help us figure out many things. O Words O Ideas O Author’s values and opinions O You are using an inference clue when you use information around the word to help you figure out what it means.

Inference Clue: Example O Let’s take an example from your reading for today: O Young Marni looked over the placid countryside. A light wind made little waves on the lake and ruffled the long grasses. The corn whispered, and birds sang cheerfully. Marni sighed sadly. “Nothing ever happens here, ” she thought. O What does “placid” mean? O How do you know?