What Is Context and How Is It Helpful?

A CONTEXT CLUE is a source of information about a word that helps readers understand the word. This word or
phrase offers insight, either directly or indirectly, into the word’s meaning.
What are context clues? Context clues are hints that an author gives to help define a difficult or unusual
word. The clue may appear within the same sentence as the word to which it refers, or it may follow in a preceding
sentence. Because most of one’s vocabulary is gained through reading, it is important that you be able to recognize and
take advantage of context clues.
In simple words, the context of anything in a written piece is the textual information that surrounds it and
makes its meaning and understanding possible. The existence of written content is unimaginable without it being
surrounded by some meaningful context and this explains why context or a phrase, clause, or word is so important in its
understanding.
Here are some of the most important aspects of context that show how the context in any written piece is helpful:
1. Helps in Understanding the Meanings of Words and Phrases
2. Provides More Information and Description
3. Forms a Sense of Relationship between the Author and Readers
There are at least 6 kinds of context clues that are common;
1. a SYNONYM (or repeat context clue) which appears in that sentence;
It was an idyllic day; sunny, warm and perfect for a walk in the park.
Her animosity, or hatred, of her sister had divided the family.
2. an ANTONYM (or contrast context clue) that has the opposite meaning, which can reveal the meaning of an
unknown term;
Emma had a lot of anxiety about the exam but I had no worries about it.
Marty is gregarious, not like his brother who is quiet and shy.
3. an EXPLANATION for an unknown word is given (a definition context clue) within the sentence or in the sentence
immediately preceding; and
The team was elated when they won the trophy.
His constant questioning of my remarks made him a nuisance.
4. DEFINITION clue specific examples (an example context clue) used to define the term.
Some celestial bodies, such as the planets and stars, can be seen with the naked eye.
There is a 30 percent chance of precipitation, such as snow or sleet.
5. COMPARISONS
Diane was lethargic and didn’t have the energy to get out of bed.
The greatest trip I ever took was my expedition to Africa.
6. CONTRAST CLUE
The picture of the landscape is picturesque but the one of the old house is ugly.
The feral cat would not let us pet him, unlike our tame cat.

There may also be word-part context clues in which a common prefix, suffix, or root will suggest at least part of the
meaning of a word. A general sense context clue lets the reader puzzle out a word meaning from whatever information is available–
and this is the most common kind of context clue. Others describe context clues in three ways:
1) semantic or meaning clues, e.g., When reading a story about cats, good readers develop the expectation that it will contain words
associated with cats, such as “tail,” “purr,” “scratch,” and “whiskers”
2. syntactic or word order clues where the order of the words in a sentence can indicate that a missing word must be verb
3. picture clues where illustrations help with the identification of a word.

How to Infer the Meaning of a Word?

Infer means to use your prior knowledge to guess what you do not know. The idea of inferring the meaning of
a word makes reading more delightful, unchallenging, and comfortable.

Some tips that will help beginners get an idea regarding how to infer the meaning of a word:

1. Read the Context

2. Look for Prefixes and Suffixes
3. Divide the Words into Parts
4. Use a Dictionary