Context Clues: Figuring Out Unknown Words
Grade 2 · English · Study Guide
Learn how to use the words around an unknown word to figure out its meaning.
When you are reading and you hit a word you do not know, do not panic! Look at the words around it — those are called context clues. Context clues are hints hidden in the sentence or paragraph that help you figure out what the tricky word means.
There are several types of context clues. A definition clue gives you the meaning right in the sentence: 'A canine, which is another word for dog, loves to fetch.' A synonym clue gives you a word that means the same: 'She was elated, or very happy, to get the gift.' An antonym clue gives you the opposite: 'Unlike his cheerful sister, Marco seemed gloomy.' And an example clue gives you a list of examples to help you understand: 'Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and limes, are sour.'
Context clues are one of the most powerful reading strategies you can learn. Good readers use them automatically — they do not stop to look up every unknown word. Instead, they use the story or text around the word to make a smart guess.
Practice using context clues by asking yourself: 'What do the other words in this sentence tell me?' The more you practice, the faster you will get at unlocking the meaning of new words all on your own.
Key terms
- context clues
- Hints in the surrounding text that help you figure out the meaning of an unknown word
- definition clue
- When the sentence explains the meaning of the word directly
- synonym clue
- When a familiar word with a similar meaning appears nearby
- antonym clue
- When an opposite-meaning word nearby helps you figure out the unknown word
- example clue
- When examples are given to show what the word means
Flashcards
- context clues
- Hints in nearby words or sentences that help you figure out unknown word meanings
- definition clue
- The sentence explains the word's meaning — 'A puppy, which is a baby dog, loves to play'
- synonym clue
- A similar word nearby hints at the meaning — 'She was ecstatic, or overjoyed'
- antonym clue
- An opposite word gives a hint — 'Unlike tall Jack, tiny Amy...'
- example clue
- Examples tell you what the word includes — 'Vehicles like cars, buses, and bikes...'
- strategy
- Ask: What do the other words tell me? Make a smart guess from context.
Practice questions
In 'She was famished, so she ate three sandwiches,' what does famished most likely mean?
- happy
- very hungry
- sleepy
- angry
Show answer
Answer: very hungry
The clue is that she ate three sandwiches — you eat a lot when you are very hungry. 'Famished' means extremely hungry.
Hints in the surrounding text that help you understand an unknown word are called ___ clues.
Show answer
Answer: context
Context clues are the hints found in the text around an unknown word.
Context clues help you figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Show answer
Answer: True
Context clues are a reading strategy that helps you understand new vocabulary without a dictionary.
In 'Unlike the enormous elephant, the mouse was minuscule,' what does minuscule most likely mean?
- very large
- very small
- very fast
- very loud
Show answer
Answer: very small
'Unlike the enormous elephant' sets up a contrast — if the elephant is enormous (very big), the mouse must be the opposite. 'Minuscule' means very small.
You should always stop reading to look up every unknown word in the dictionary.
Show answer
Answer: False
Good readers use context clues to figure out words without stopping. Only look a word up when context clues are not enough.
Fun facts
- Expert readers look up only about 1 in every 100 unknown words — they figure out the rest using context clues!
- Reading more books is the single best way to improve your ability to use context clues — the more words you know, the easier it gets!
Get a personalized course on Context Clues built around your child.