There are several types of context clues:
* Definition/Explanation: The sentence directly explains the word or provides a synonym.
* Example: The sentence provides an example of what the word means.
* Contrast: The sentence uses words that are opposite in meaning to the unknown word, highlighting its meaning.
* Restatement: The sentence restates the word in a different way, making its meaning clearer.
* Inference: The sentence implies the word's meaning through surrounding information.
Here are some examples:
* Definition/Explanation: "The serene lake was calm and peaceful, with no waves or ripples." (Serene means calm and peaceful.)
* Example: "The omnivore could eat both meat and vegetables, like a bear or a pig." (Omnivore means an animal that eats both meat and plants.)
* Contrast: "Instead of being timid, he was bold and fearless." (Timid means shy and afraid.)
* Restatement: "He was ecstatic, overjoyed, and thrilled with excitement." (Ecstatic means extremely happy.)
* Inference: "The detective noticed the suspicious look in the man's eyes, making him wonder if he was involved in the crime." (Suspicious means seeming to indicate possible wrongdoing.)
By carefully reading the surrounding sentences and identifying context clues, you can often decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words without needing a dictionary.