1. Context Clues:
* Definition: The sentence might directly define the unknown word. For example: "The ornithologist, a scientist who studies birds, observed the rare species."
* Synonym: The sentence might use a synonym for the unknown word. For example: "The hiker was exhausted, or extremely tired, after the long climb."
* Antonym: The sentence might use a word with the opposite meaning of the unknown word. For example: "The smooth surface of the table was in contrast to the rough texture of the wood."
* Example: The sentence might give examples to explain the meaning of the unknown word. For example: "The chef's repertoire of dishes included pasta, pizza, and risotto."
* Inference: You can use the overall meaning of the sentence to deduce the meaning of the unknown word. For example: "The cacophony of sounds in the marketplace was overwhelming." (You can infer that cacophony means "a lot of loud, unpleasant sounds").
2. Word Parts:
* Prefixes: Prefixes are added to the beginning of words and can change their meaning. For example, "un-", "pre-", "re-".
* Suffixes: Suffixes are added to the end of words and can change their meaning. For example, "-ing", "-er", "-ly".
* Root Words: The core part of a word can give you a clue about its meaning. For example, "port" often relates to carrying or carrying things.
3. Using Resources:
* Dictionary: If all else fails, look up the word in a dictionary.
* Thesaurus: A thesaurus can help you find synonyms for the word, which can give you a better understanding of its meaning in the context of the sentence.
Example:
"The gargantuan creature lumbered across the field."
* Context Clues: The word "creature" suggests something large, and the word "lumbered" suggests slow and heavy movement.
* Inference: We can infer that "gargantuan" means "extremely large."
Remember:
* Look for clues in the sentence.
* Use word parts to help you understand the word.
* Don't be afraid to use resources like dictionaries and thesauruses.
* Practice your vocabulary and reading skills to improve your ability to understand unfamiliar words.