Determining the Meaning of Unknown Words and Phrases Using Clues

Which of the following is a good strategy for finding the meaning of an unfamiliar word?

• Count the syllables in the word and find others that are similar in length.

• Keep reading past that word so that you can continue with the story.

• Put the book down and do something else for at least 30 minutes.

• Make inferences about the meaning based on the words around it.

What are the details in a sentence or paragraph that can help you find the meaning of an unfamiliar word?

• Dictionaries

• Clarification items

• Context clues

• Other people

Read the sentence below. Which type of context clue is used to help you figure out the meaning of the word gregarious?

People who are gregarious, or very friendly and sociable, always have something fun to do.

• Inference context clue

• Definition context clue

• Synonym context clue

• Antonym context clue

Read the sentence below. Which type of context clue is used to help you figure out the meaning of the word jaunt?

Instead of a long weekend trip, my family went on a quick jaunt to the local bowling alley.

• Definition context clue

• Antonym context clue

• Inference context clue

• Synonym context clue

Read the sentence below, and use context clues to determine the meaning of the word embroil.

Do not embroil me in your argument because I want to stay out of it!

What is most likely the definition of the word embroil?

• To be involved in a difficult situation

• To chat in a friendly way

• To make a decision

• To be asked to help the needy

Read the sentence below, and use context clues to determine the meaning of the word cryptic.

No one understood the teacher's cryptic message about the questions that would be on the test.

What is most likely the definition of the word cryptic?

• A clear message

• A hidden meaning

• A difficult test

• A friendly text

Read the sentence below, and use context clues to determine the meaning of the word plethora.

After the successful concert, the band was flooded with a plethora of email and did not have the time to respond to all of them.

What is most likely the definition of the word plethora?

• Not many

• A popular band

• A type of email

• A great number

Read the sentence below, and use context clues to determine the meaning of the word onerous.

Writing a 10-page research project is an onerous task.

What is most likely the definition of onerous?

• Lackluster

• Desirable

• Difficult

• Easy

Read the sentence below, and use context clues to determine the meaning of the word ebullient.

The coach's ebullient speech got the team excited about the upcoming game.

Which person is most likely to be ebullient?

• Someone taking a test

• Someone who is tired

• Someone at a theme park

• Someone eating an apple

Read the sentence below, and use context clues to determine the meaning of the word sublime.

On our hike, we were awed by the sublime view of the snow covered peaks.

What is most likely the definition of the word sublime?

• Difficult

• Majestic

• Boring

• Obscured