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Two strategies you may use to determine the meaning of unfamiliar terms or phrases are:
- Context clues, and
- Word parts – breaking down words to the root word, prefix and suffix.
Context clues
A good way to determine the meaning of unfamiliar terms is to look at the word or phrase in context. The other word(s) or sentence(s) may give you clues to its meaning.
A good way to determine the meaning of unfamiliar terms is to look at the word or phrase in context.
Below are different types of context clues, along with their signal cues. Text examples about the Russian Revolution illustrate how the context clues can be used to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words or terms. Review each example and watch the accompanying videos, which model how the context clues are used.
| Term | Signal cues | Text example |
|---|---|---|
Definitions
Sometimes a writer will state the meaning of a difficult term within the sentence by providing a definition through rewording or examples. |
or
also called which is also known as that is in other words like these for instance for example this other such as including especially |
The rulers of Russia prior to 1917 were called czars and they had absolute control over the government. |
Watch the video to see how Definitions can be used to provide context clues.
| Term | Signal cues | Text example |
|---|---|---|
Synonyms
Another type of context clue is synonym. Sometimes the author will provide synonyms or comparisons to help you understand the meaning of unfamiliar words. |
like
also similar to likewise by comparison in the same way as compared with |
The cruel and oppressive rule of most 19th century czars caused widespread social unrest for decades. |
Watch the video to see how Synonyms can be used to provide context clues.
| Term | Signal cues | Text example |
|---|---|---|
Antonyms
The author may use antonyms or contrasts to help you understand the unfamiliar term. |
but
rather than however in contrast to unlike on the other hand yet conversely |
Unlike other western nations that were granting citizens greater rights and freedoms, Czar Nicholas embraced autocratic rule. |
Watch the video to see how Antonyms provide context clues.
| Term | Signal cues | Text example |
|---|---|---|
Logic
At other times you may need to read several sentences in order to get a general sense of the meaning of the text in order to use logic to determine the meaning of the word. |
Logic does not have signal cues that provide context clues. | Alexander III oppressed national groups within Russia. He made the Jews the target of persecution and passed new laws that encouraged prejudice. A wave of pogroms broke out in many parts of Russia. The police and soldiers stood by as Russian citizens looted and destroyed Jewish property. |
Watch the video to see how Logic can be used to define an unfamiliar word.
