Types of Context Clues

Front

What are context clues?

Back

Words or phrases in a text that help readers understand the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

What is a definition context clue?

Back

A context clue that provides the meaning of a word directly, often using phrases like 'is' or 'means.'

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

Example of a definition context clue: 'His animosity, or hatred, of his sister divided the family.' What does 'animosity' mean?

Back

Hatred.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Front

What is a synonym context clue?

Back

A context clue that uses a similar word to help define an unfamiliar word.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Front

Example of a synonym context clue: 'She hums continuously, or all the time.' What does 'continuously' mean?

Back

All the time.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Front

What is an antonym context clue?

Back

A context clue that uses a word with the opposite meaning to help define an unfamiliar word.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Front

Example of an antonym context clue: 'Unlike our friendly cat, the feral cat would not let us pet him.' What does 'feral' mean?

Back

Wild and unfriendly.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Front

What is an explanation context clue?

Back

A context clue that provides additional information or details to help clarify the meaning of a word.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

What is a list of examples context clue?

Back

A context clue that provides a list of examples to help define an unfamiliar word.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

What does 'famished' mean in the context: 'He was famished because he had not eaten all day.'?

Back

Very hungry.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D