Which of these is most useful for deciding which dictionary definition the best one an unfamiliar word you have found in a reading passage?

You're right, there's no single "best" definition, but here's how you can make the best choice:

Consider the context:

* The surrounding words and sentences: What are the other words near your unfamiliar word? Do they suggest a formal or informal tone?

* The overall topic of the passage: Does the word fit with the main theme of the passage?

* The author's style: Is the author known for using technical language or everyday words?

Look for definitions that match the context:

* Eliminate definitions that don't make sense in the context: This might mean eliminating definitions that are too formal or too informal.

* Choose the definition that best fits the overall meaning of the passage: The definition should help you understand the sentence or paragraph where the unfamiliar word appears.

Example:

Word: "Ambiguous"

Sentence: "The instructions were ambiguous, leading to confusion among the workers."

Possible definitions:

1. Doubtful: This definition makes sense in the context because the sentence mentions "confusion."

2. Open to more than one interpretation: This definition also works well because it suggests that the instructions could be understood in different ways.

3. Unclear: This definition fits the context as well.

In this example, all three definitions are relevant, but the most accurate one is "open to more than one interpretation" because it best explains the confusion caused by the instructions.

Remember: There is no one-size-fits-all answer. You need to carefully consider the context to find the most appropriate definition.