Context clues are hints that help you find the meaning of a word, you do not know. The words and sentences around the word in question sets the Context of that word. There are four types of context clues and they are: Definition, Antonym (or contrast), Synonym (or restatement) and Inference.

 

Definiton - the word is defined directly and clearly in the sentence in which it appears. 

James served for six  months as a volunteer at the local hospital, which meant he workd for no pay. 

What does the word volunteer mean?

It means working for no pay.

 

Antonym (or contrast) - often signaled by the words whereas, unlike, or as opposed to.

It is nice and sunny today, unlike yesteray it was windy and raining
Nice and sunny is the opposite of windy and raining, antonym must mean the opposite of.

 

Synonym (or restatement) - other words are used in the sentence with similar meanings.

Towering above most people, LeBron James the basketball player is considered to be very tall.
Towering must mean something is very tall. 

 

Inference - word meanings are not directly described, but need to be inferred from the context. 

Lets go to the grocery store and buy some food.
Grocery stores sell food.

 

In this part of the website, you will be using contex clues to find the meaning of the underlined word. All questions are multiple choice. Pick the best meaning of the underlined word. To hear an audio example click on the underlined word.