Context Clues:
* Definition: The word itself might be defined directly in the sentence or paragraph. Look for phrases like "which means..." or "also known as...".
* Restatement: The meaning of the word might be rephrased or explained using synonyms or other words that have a similar meaning.
* Example: The sentence might give an example of the word in action, which can help you understand its meaning.
* Contrast: The sentence might contrast the unfamiliar word with a word you already know, highlighting the difference between them.
* Inference: You might have to infer the meaning of the word based on the overall context and the other words surrounding it.
Word Structure:
* Prefixes and Suffixes: Understanding common prefixes and suffixes can help you break down the word and figure out its meaning. For example, "pre-" means "before" and "-ing" indicates an action.
* Root Words: The root of the word might give you a clue about its basic meaning. For example, the root "scrib" means "to write."
* Etymology: Knowing the origin of the word (its history and language of origin) can sometimes provide insight into its meaning.
Other Resources:
* Dictionary: Use a dictionary to look up the word's definition.
* Thesaurus: Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for the word, which can help you understand its meaning in context.
* Online Resources: Websites like Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionaries, and Vocabulary.com can provide detailed definitions, examples, and etymology information.
Tips for Using Clues:
* Read the whole sentence and paragraph: Don't try to figure out the word in isolation.
* Consider the context: Think about the topic of the text and the overall meaning.
* Try different clues: If one clue doesn't work, try another one.
* Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you're still unsure, ask a teacher, tutor, or fellow reader for help.
Remember, understanding the meaning of unfamiliar words takes practice and patience. The more you read and explore different types of texts, the better you'll become at using context clues and other techniques to decipher new vocabulary.