Here are some different types of context clues…

definition /synonyms
Some sentences give you a description, explanation, or description for the word. Occasionally another
sentence either before or after the sentence with the new word will define, explain, or describe the
meaning for the word.

example 1: When you pilfer something, you steal in little amounts; an example would be
taking pens from work.

example 2: From the most far past to the present day, the moon has been thought to
cause lunacy. Some studies have shown that this momentary insanity does have
some association to the moon's phases.

punctuation
Sometimes sentences set off the definition for the unknown word by using punctuation clues, like

dashes

parentheses

brackets

commas

example 1: There is an incertitude—an uncertainty—about when eyeglasses were first

invented.

example 2: The addax, a large light colored animal much similar to the antelope, has a pair of
spiral horns.
helping words
Sometimes helping words, along with punctuation clues, provide important clues.

that is

or

such as

is called

example 1: Yolanda felt perturbed, that is, she was greatly upset by the man's
inability to take "no" for an answer.

example 2: Ted Bundy was most infamous, or notorious for his deeds.

opposites / antonyms
Some sentences tell the opposite of what a new word means. From its opposite you can figure out the
meaning for the new word.

example 1: My sister, Mariella, is an optimist and can see a positive side to everything,
unlike my brother, the pessimist.

examples
Many times an author helps you understand the meaning of a word by giving you examples.

example 1: I use the following condiments on my hamburger: relish, ketchup, and mustard.
comparison
Comparisons show the similarities between persons, ideas, things, etc. It is possible to figure out the
meaning of the new word from the comparison.

example 1: Andre is as passive as a bear in winter.

contrast
Some sentences use contrast to show the differences between items. You can use the contrast to figure
out yet the meaning for the new word.

contrast clue words:

but

although

however

rather than

example 1: My friend is very diligent, but her brother never finishes anything he starts.

example 2: I prefer to read novels with intricate rather than simple plots.

own experience
Sometimes you can figure out the meaning for a word by using your own experiences. This is also called
making an inference.

example 1: The cacophonous rattling made Ann hold her hands over her ears.

example 2: Climbing mountains is an arduous task.