Here's how context helps us understand words:
* Definition: Context refers to the words, sentences, and paragraphs that surround a particular word. This surrounding information provides clues about the word's meaning.
* Types of Context Clues:
* Synonyms: The sentence might use another word with a similar meaning.
* Antonyms: The sentence might use a word with the opposite meaning.
* Examples: The sentence might provide specific examples that illustrate the word's meaning.
* Definitions: The sentence might directly define the word.
* Inference: Sometimes, you need to infer the meaning of the word based on the overall sense of the passage.
Example:
"The intrepid explorer ventured into the unknown jungle, unafraid of the dangers that lay ahead."
Here, "intrepid" is the word we want to understand.
* Context clues:
* "explorer" suggests someone who is adventurous.
* "ventured into the unknown jungle" suggests a sense of bravery and risk-taking.
* "unafraid of the dangers" further emphasizes courage.
By analyzing the context, we can infer that "intrepid" means bold and fearless.
Therefore, understanding context is crucial for determining the meaning of unfamiliar words and for comprehending the overall message of a text.