RI/RL 6.4: Determining the meaning of words & phrases

RI/RL 6.4: Determining the meaning of words & phrases.

Today we will look at different strategies used to help readers determine the meaning of unknown words or multiple-meaning words.

Open Ended

When you see the word "coach" what do you think of?

Words can have MULTIPLE-meanings!

• ​Whatever definition you gave, it is understood that the word coach has multiple meanings

  • Some of you may have said someone who teaches you a sport

  • Some of you may have said to give someone instructions

  • Some may have even said a horse-drawn carriage

• To truly understand the meaning of a word we must look at how it is used in context

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There are different strategies for finding the meaning of a word or phrase that you may not know the meaning of:

• Use context clues!

• If the word can be broken apart, like the prefix, suffix, or root, this could also help you determine the meaning by using the parts of the word.

• Finally, use a dictionary or Google if you still can't figure it out!

Dictionary

• One way to figure out the meaning of a word that does not make sense in the given context is to use a dictionary!

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• Readers can use the dictionary to look up the multiple meanings of a word, then determine how it is being used in the text.

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Context Clues

• Context clues are hints found within a sentence, paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words.

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• A reader must be aware that many words have several possible meanings.

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Multiple Choice

Determine the meaning of the word bear in the following sentence.

The bear has two cubs.

• (v) carry the weight of; support.

• (v) endure (an ordeal or difficulty).

• (n) a large, heavy mammal

• (n) a large, heavy, cumbersome man

Multiple Choice

Determine the meaning of the word bear in the following sentence.

I cannot bear loud music.

• (v) carry the weight of; support.

• (v) endure ( suffer patiently).

• (n) a large, heavy mammal

• (n) a large, heavy, cumbersome man

Other Useful Strategies:

• Synonyms: Synonyms are words that are similar to another word or have a related meaning. 

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• Antonyms: Antonyms are words that have contrasting, or opposite, meanings.

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• Inference: Inferencing involves using what you know to make a guess about what you don't know or reading between the lines. Readers who make inferences use the clues in the text along with their own experiences to help them figure out what is not directly said.

Multiple Choice

Select the best definition for the underlined word as it is used in the sentence below.

Molly tried to wrench open the frozen car door.

• a violent twist or pull

• a tool used for gripping or turning nuts

  and bolts

Multiple Choice

In which sentence does the word alarm have the same meaning that it has in the passage?

The doctor glanced around the room in alarm. The boy did not look well; he had not eaten anything for days and the room itself was cold and unwelcoming. Dr. Craven slowly approached the bed.

• Shelly looked around in alarm when she heard the loud noise.

• A burglar alarm can be added to the new house.

• John was exhausted, and tried to ignore the alarm clock.

• The shrill of the fire alarm echoed through the school campus.

Multiple Choice

Jeffery decided to sever his friendship with his rude neighbor.

• separate
• clean
• serve
• confirm

Multiple Choice

The thought of eating a rat is abhorrent to most people.

• fun
• horrible
• delicious
• exciting

Multiple Choice

The delightful aroma of food cooking in the kitchen made my mouth water.

• smell
• color
• wealth
• sound

Multiple Choice

I was so parched, I drank an entire glass of water in one gulp.

• hungry
• thirsty
• sleepy
• busy

Multiple Choice

This is an example of which context clue?

Piscatorial creatures, such as flounder, salmon, and trout, live in the coldest parts of the ocean.

• Synonym

• Inference

• Antonym

• Examples

Multiple Choice

This is an example of which context clue?

The indigo bird’s feathers shone a deep blue in the sunlight.

• Synonym

• Inference

• Antonym

• Example