1. The Context of the Passage:
* Surrounding Words: Look at the words and phrases immediately before and after the unfamiliar word. What clues do they give about the word's meaning? Is it used in a positive or negative way?
* Sentence Structure: How is the word used in the sentence? Is it a subject, verb, object, adjective, etc.?
* Overall Topic: What is the passage about? This can help you narrow down the possible meanings of the word.
2. Dictionary Entries:
* Multiple Definitions: Dictionaries often list multiple definitions for a word. Consider all of them in light of the context.
* Part of Speech: Note the part of speech for the word. Does it fit the grammatical structure of the sentence?
* Examples: Many dictionaries provide example sentences or phrases. Do these examples match the way the word is used in your passage?
* Etymology: Sometimes the word's origin can give you hints about its meaning. (This is usually found in the "Etymology" section of the dictionary entry.)
3. The Process of Elimination:
* Eliminate Mismatches: If a definition clearly doesn't fit the context of the sentence or passage, rule it out.
* Focus on the Most Likely: Try to identify the definition that best aligns with the surrounding words and the overall meaning of the passage.
Example:
Let's say you encounter the word "reticent" in a passage about a shy, quiet person.
* Context: The passage is about someone who doesn't talk much.
* Dictionary: The dictionary might provide definitions like:
* Silent
* Reserved
* Unwilling to speak freely
* Relating to silence
* The Best Fit: The definition "reserved" or "unwilling to speak freely" would be the most likely to match the context.
Important Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment. Try out different definitions in your head, and see which one makes the most sense within the passage.