Vocabulary in Context

1. Vocabulary in Context How to find the meaning of a word by using the context clues around it.

2. Four types of context clues • Rewording • Synonym • Antonym • Details/examples

3. Rewording • Rewording is when the author says the word in another way that is easier to understand. • The context clues are often between a set of commas.

4. Rewording example • Resentment, a feeling of bitterness and anger, is often felt by people who are passed over for promotions.

5. Rewording practice • The Cruise family moved from their dilapidated house, that was old and run-down, into a brand new one.

6. Synonyms • Synonyms are words that have the same meaning. Authors will often use synonyms for words they do not expect you to know. • Synonym context clues are often hidden in surrounding sentences.

7. Synonym example • The young girl was very aloof. She always seemed unsociable, unapproachable, and uninterested.

8. Synonym practice • The three brothers began an altercation after the game. This was not the first time they fought about the score.

9. Antonyms • A writer uses antonym context clues when they use a word with the opposite meaning to give us hints about the word that they think we don’t know. • Antonym context clues have hint words to tell us that there are opposite words present. • Hint words can be: • But • however • In other words • Etc.

10. Antonym example • Diana appeared to be a very moral and upstanding young lady, but those who knew her knew that she was iniquitous.

11. Antonym practice • David was very outgoing as opposed to his coy older sister.

12. Details/example • A writer is using details/examples as context clues when they give us explanations or examples as hints about the word that they don’t think we will understand.

13. Details/examples • Father was ecstatic because Josh decided to go to the college that he wanted him to.

14. Details/examples practice • It is our custom that the bride and groom only wear the finest raiment on their wedding day.

15. Practice • Mallery’s mom thought that the new outfit that she had bought for her was modish. Mallery did not want to break it to her, but it was totally out of style. • Insomnia, not being able to sleep at night, can be linked to an excessive intake of caffeine throughout the day.

16. Practice • The day had proven to be very torrid. Before the sun had even risen, it was already hot outside. • Though many types of birds fly in groups, eagles are birds of solitude.

17. Practice • Many of us have ambivalent feelings about our politicians, admiring but also distrusting them. • The adverse effects of this medication, including dizziness, nausea and headaches have caused it to be withdrawn from the market.