1. Context Clues: This is the most common and often most effective method. Pay close attention to the words and sentences surrounding the unfamiliar word.
* Definition Clues: The sentence might directly define the word. For example: "The ornithologist, a bird expert, studied the rare species."
* Example Clues: The sentence might provide examples that illustrate the word's meaning. For instance: "The profusion of flowers in the garden was breathtaking, with roses, lilies, and tulips in every color imaginable."
* Contrast Clues: The sentence might contrast the word with another word or idea. For example: "She was known for her gregarious nature, unlike her shy brother."
* Inference Clues: Sometimes, you need to infer the meaning based on the overall context of the passage.
2. Dictionary or Thesaurus: This is a reliable resource, especially if context clues don't provide a clear enough understanding. Most dictionaries and online resources offer definitions, synonyms, and often example sentences for better comprehension.
3. Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes: By breaking down the unfamiliar word into its components, you can often gain insight into its meaning. For example, the word "prehistoric" consists of the prefix "pre" (meaning before) and the root word "historic" (meaning related to history). Knowing this, you can understand that "prehistoric" refers to the time period before recorded history.