Context Clues

context clue

a hint or clue in a sentence or paragraph that helps a reader figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

root

The base part of a word that carries its primary meaning and often combines with prefixes and suffixes to create new words, providing additional context clues for understanding.

prefix

A type of word part added to the beginning of a root word that modifies its meaning, often providing context clues for understanding related terms.

suffix

A type of word part added to the end of a root word that alters its meaning, often offering context clues for understanding related terms.

infer

to determine something not stated directly by using reasoning and evidence from the text

contrast

a type of context clue within a text that reveals the meaning of an unfamiliar word by showing a word or phrase with the opposite meaning

cause-and-effect

a type of context clue within a text that reveals the meaning of an unknown word by showing the reason for an action or event, or the result of that action or event

example

a type of context clue that provides specific instances or scenarios to clarify the meaning of the unfamiliar word.

comparison

a type of context clue that shows how the unfamiliar word is like or similar to something else in the text

definition

What type of context clue is used to help the reader understand hieroglyphics in this sentence: definition, contrast, or example?

The archaeologist discovered an ancient scroll that contained hieroglyphics, meaning a system of writing using pictorial characters.

comparison

What type of context clue is used to help the reader understand the word ominous: definition, cause-and-effect, or comparison?

The old house stood on a hill, looking ominous, like a dark, thunderous storm cloud ready to burst.

contrast

What type of context clue is used to help the reader understand the word phlegmatic: example, definition, or contrast?

Unlike the lively, active energy of his older sister, the younger brother's temperament was entirely phlegmatic.

cause-and-effect

What type of context clue is used to help the reader understand the word grief: contrast, definition, or cause-and-effect?

A great deal of grief was felt throughout the town because the massive flooding had destroyed countless homes and businesses.

example

What type of context clue is used to help the reader understand the word artifacts: definition, example, or contrast?

The museum contained various artifacts, such as clay pots, woven baskets, and ancient tools.

definition

a type of context clue that directly defines the unfamiliar word