Finding the Meaning of Unfamiliar Words Using

Synonyms and Antonyms

You might have encountered situations where you found an unfamiliar or difficult word but you were able to
understand its meaning. The reason for this is that you used context clues while reading.
Readers identify context clues to unlock word meanings without grabbing a dictionary in order to make sense of a word
essential to the understanding of a sentence or an entire story. Using context clues enhances one’s vocabulary and
logical thinking.

There are four types of context clues:

1. Synonym
2. Antonym
3. Definition
4. Exemplification

It is important that you know how to recognize context clues that signal the meaning of a
word. Let us focus first on synonyms and antonyms as context clues.

1. Synonyms

Synonyms are words that mean the same as other words. For example, alluring is
synonymous to attractive, pretty, and beautiful. In reading, you may find synonyms as clues to understand the
meaning of unfamiliar words.

Reading is essential for children’s success as it is important in developing the mind.

The unfamiliar word is essential. Take note that the word as may signal synonyms for it shows likeness of
ideas. By getting this, it means that the word essential is a synonym of the word important. Then, you get the
idea that essential means impossible to do without. The sentence expresses that reading cannot be set aside
for it is important to every child’s development.

2. Antonyms

Another type of context clue is antonyms. Antonyms are words that mean the opposite of other words.
For example, the word beautiful is an antonym of the words ugly and unattractive.In reading, you may
find antonyms as clues to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words.

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 Mr. Sanchez said that broadsheet news are mostly accurate, but tabloid news are sometimes
incorrect.

The unfamiliar word is accurate. Notice that the word but may signal antonyms for it suggests opposite
ideas. The word accurate is contrary to the word incorrect. This shows that accurate means true or
correct.

3. Definition

Definition is a statement of a meaning of a word. The writer provides a brief definition of a word for
better understanding.

A hole in the ground made by a rabbit for shelter is called a burrow.

The unfamiliar word is burrow. The writer made use of is called to signal the definition. Based on the
sentence, the definition of burrow is a hole in the ground made by a rabbit for shelter.

4.Exemplification

Another type of context clue is exemplification. Exemplification is an act of using examples to explain an
idea. The writer adds examples to illustrate the meaning of a word.

After New Year’s Eve, hospitals released the number of patients who lost their limb
such as their leg or arm.

The unfamiliar word is limb. The writer used such as to signal the examples to be given.
Because of the examples leg and arm, it is now clear to the reader that limb means a human
part extended from the body.

This study source was downloaded by 100000793126097 from CourseHero.com on 07-11-2022 08:16:37 GMT -05:00

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