Context clues are hints found within a sentence, paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words. They are essential tools for writers, readers, and pretty much anybody interested in making sense of the world. Context clues can be used to figure out the meaning of an unknown term, and they may appear within the same sentence as the word to which it refers, or it may follow in a preceding sentence. There are several different types of context clues, including:

• Definition/Description Clue: The new term may be formally defined, or sufficient explanation may be given within the sentence or in the following sentence. Clues to definition include “that is,” commas, dashes, and parentheses.

• Synonym Clue: A synonym, or word with the same meaning, is used in the sentence.

• Antonym Clue: A word or group of words that has the opposite meaning reveals the meaning of an unknown term.

• Experience Clue: An experience clue draws upon personal experience or background knowledge to help you infer the meaning of the unfamiliar word. Look for a word, phrase, or sentence that includes a familiar experience or information you already know.

• Adjacent Clue: An adjacent clue is a word or phrase in a nearby sentence that explains the meaning.

• Word Part Clue: The parts used to construct a word can be direct clues to meaning. Knowledge of prefixes, roots, and suffixes can aid a reader in using this type of context clue.

It is important to note that context clues should not be relied upon when a precise meaning is required, when clues suggest several possible definitions, when nearby words are unfamiliar, and when the unknown word is a common one that will be needed again; in these cases, a dictionary should be consulted.