1. You can understand the meaning of the sentence without it: If the word is not crucial to understanding the overall message, you can usually infer its meaning from the surrounding context.
2. It's not a key concept: If the word is just a filler or an adjective that doesn't significantly affect the meaning, you can skip it.
3. It's a specialized term: If you are reading a text on a topic you are unfamiliar with, you may encounter several specialized terms. It's okay to skip these if they don't affect your understanding of the overall argument.
4. You have limited time: If you are reading for pleasure or information, and you are pressed for time, it is acceptable to skip words that don't seem essential.
However, here are some situations where skipping unfamiliar words may not be advisable:
1. If the word is essential to the meaning: If the word is a key noun, verb, or adjective that significantly impacts the understanding of the sentence, you should try to look it up.
2. If you are reading for academic purposes: In academic texts, it's important to understand the precise meaning of every word. Skipping unfamiliar words could lead to misinterpretations.
3. If you are learning a language: In this case, skipping unfamiliar words will hinder your learning process. It's essential to actively engage with new vocabulary.
Ultimately, the decision to skip an unfamiliar word depends on the context, your reading purpose, and your comfort level. If you're unsure, it's always better to look it up.