Here are six types of context clues used by
authors to help the reader understand the meanings of words. An example is
provided for each.
1.Definition
context clue. The author includes a definition to help the
reader understand the meaning of a word. In the following example, “tainted”
is defined as having a disease.
The people of the town were warned not to
eat the tainted fish. The local newspaper published a bulletin in which
readers were clearly told that eating fish that had a disease could be very
dangerous. This was especially true for fish caught in Lake Jean.
2.Synonym
context clue. The author includes a synonym to help the reader
understand the meaning of a word. A synonym is a word that means the same as
or nearly the same as another word. In the following example, the synonym
“pity” helps the reader understand the meaning of “compassion.”
After seeing the picture of the
starving children, we all felt compassion or pity for their
suffering.
3. Antonym
context clue. The author includes an antonym to help the
reader understand the meaning of a word. An antonym is a word that means the
opposite of another word. In the following example, the antonym “eager” helps
the reader understand the meaning of “reluctant.”
Joe was reluctant to take on the position of
captain of the basketball team. He was afraid that the time it would take
would hurt his grades. On the other hand, Billy was eager for the chance to
be captain. He thought that being captain of the team would make him very
popular in school.
4. Description context
clue. The author includes one or more descriptions to help the reader
understand the meaning of a word. In the following example, descriptions of
President Kennedy as having charm, enthusiasm, and a magnetic personality help
the reader understand the meaning of “charismatic.”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, our 35th president,
improved human rights and equal rights for all people. He was a very
charismatic president. People were attracted to his charm and enthusiasm.
His personality was described as magnetic.
5. Summary context
clue. The author makes a number of statements that help the reader
understand the meaning of a word. In the following example, statements about
being rude, showing no respect, having poor manners, and being impolite help
the reader understand the meaning of “impertinent.”
Andrea was a very impertinent young lady.
She was so rude that she talked while her teacher was explaining a lesson.
She showed no respect for other students. Her manners were very poor. Even
her parents thought that Andrea was impolite.