Here's why:
* Context Clues: The words and sentences surrounding the unfamiliar word often provide hints about its meaning. Look for synonyms, antonyms, examples, or explanations within the text.
* Word Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes: Understanding the components of a word (like its root, prefix, and suffix) can help you deduce its meaning.
* Word Families: Knowing related words can help you guess the meaning. For instance, if you know the meaning of "happy," you might be able to figure out the meaning of "happiness."
By trying to determine the word's meaning from context, you'll not only improve your reading comprehension but also gain a deeper understanding of the language.