Think of it like this: Imagine you're reading a book and come across the word "flibbertigibbet." You've never seen it before, but you can use the surrounding sentences to figure out what it means.
Here are some common types of context clues:
* Definition: The word's meaning is directly stated within the sentence. For example, "The ornithologist, a scientist who studies birds, observed the flock of geese."
* Synonym: Another word with a similar meaning is used in the sentence. For example, "The old man was frail and weak, needing help to walk."
* Antonym: A word with the opposite meaning is used, giving you a clue about the unknown word. For example, "The diligent student finished all her homework, unlike the lazy one who left it undone."
* Example: Examples are given that illustrate the meaning of the unknown word. For example, "The fauna in the rainforest included monkeys, parrots, and jaguars."
* Inference: You need to use your own knowledge and the surrounding text to figure out the meaning. For example, "The ambience in the cafe was warm and inviting, with soft music playing in the background."
By looking for these types of clues, you can often decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases, making reading more enjoyable and understandable!