What are Context Clues?
Context clues are hints within a sentence or paragraph that help readers understand the meaning of an unfamiliar word. There are different types of context clues, such as:
* Definition: The word is directly defined within the text.
* Synonym: A word with a similar meaning is used nearby.
* Antonym: A word with the opposite meaning is used nearby.
* Example: Examples are provided to illustrate the meaning.
* Inference: The meaning must be inferred from the surrounding context.
Direct Explanation as a Context Clue
Direct explanation is essentially a type of definition context clue. It's the most straightforward way to understand a word.
Example:
"The archaic language of the poem, meaning old-fashioned and no longer in common use, made it difficult to understand."
In this example, "meaning old-fashioned and no longer in common use" directly explains the meaning of "archaic."
Conclusion:
While not a specific type of context clue, direct explanation is a highly effective way to determine the meaning of a word. It's a clear and direct way to understand the definition without any need for inference.