Context Clues: Antonyms
Text Version

Now let’s look at the text example for the strategy “antonyms.”

The progressives called for government regulation of business rather than the laissez-faire approach that had caused so many social and economic problems.

How is the strategy of “antonyms” used to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases in the text?

Notice the signal word “rather than.” The meaning of laissez-faire is the opposite of regulation of business, so it must mean no regulation of business.

(Visual description: the term “rather than” is underlined. Then, the term “regulation of business” is highlighted. Finally, a word saying “no” is added in front of the term “regulation of business.”)