The Meaning of Unknown Words

Determine the Meaning of Words

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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 (an ordeal or difficulty).

• (n) a large, heavy mammal

• (n) a large, heavy, cumbersome man

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.

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

• I.D.E.A.S

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

• Example

Open Ended

The teacher gave me a check mark on my paper. What is the meaning of the word check in this sentence?

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