Learning New Words

1. Learning New Words

2. Ways to Learn Vocabulary • Context • Word Parts • Dictionary • Today we’ll be looking at context clues.

3. Context Clues • Context: The surroundings of something. • The context of a word is the words and sentences around that word. • We will look at four clues that context can give us: • Definition • Synonym • Antonym • Inference

4. Definition Clue • Definition clues are present when the author gives the definition of a word in a sentence. • The definition is often introduced with a word like “or,” “meaning,” or “in other words.” • The definition often has commas or parentheses around it.

5. Definition Clue: Examples • A matushka (the wife of an Orthodox Christian priest) came slowly into the church. • One of the lessons parents must teach their children is not to dissemble (in other words, not to lie). • One big problem for prisoners is that they develop a sense of apathy, or lack of caring, about their situation.

6. Synonym Clue • A synonym clue happens when the context includes a word that is similar in meaning to the word you don’t know. • Words like “and,” “like,” and “also” can tell you that you may be seeing a synonym clue.

7. Synonym Clue: Example • My laconic uncle is like my grandpa, who doesn’t talk very much. • What does “laconic” mean? • How do you know?

8. Antonym Clue • An antonym clue happens when the context includes a word that is the opposite of the word you don’t know. • Words like “but,” “different,” and “instead” can tell you that you may be seeing an antonym clue.

9. Antonym Clue: Example • My laconic uncle is the exact opposite of my loquacious mother! • What does “loquacious” mean? • How do you know?

10. Inference Clue • An inference is an educated guess. • Inferences are important for many parts of reading. They help us figure out many things. • Words • Ideas • Author’s values and opinions • You are using an inference clue when you use information around the word to help you figure out what it means.

11. Inference Clue: Example • Let’s take an example from your reading for today: • Young Marni looked over the placid countryside. A light wind made little waves on the lake and ruffled the long grasses. The corn whispered, and birds sang cheerfully. Marni sighed sadly. “Nothing ever happens here,” she thought. • What does “placid” mean? • How do you know?