Context Clues and Multiple Meaning Words
Sometimes when you read a text, you come across an unfamiliar word. Instead of skipping the word and reading on, it is important to figure out what that word means so you can better understand the text. There are different strategies you can use to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. This lesson will cover (1) how to determine unfamiliar words by reading context clues, (2) multiple meaning words, and (3) using multiple meaning words properly in context.
Using Context Clues to Determine Meaning
When reading a text, it is common to come across unfamiliar words. One way to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words is by studying other context clues to help you better understand what the word means.
Context means the other words in the sentences around the unfamiliar word.
You can look at these other words to find clues or hints to help you figure out what the word means.
For Example
Look at the following sentence:
Some of the kids in the cafeteria ostracized Janice because she dressed differently; they never allowed her to sit at their lunch table, and they whispered behind her back.
If you did not know what the word ostracized meant, you could look at the other words for clues to help you.
Here is what we know based on the clues in the sentence:
- Janice dressed differently
- Some kids did not allow her to sit at their table
- They whispered behind her back
We know that the kids never allowed her to sit at their lunch table and that they whispered behind her back. If you put all these clues together, you can conclude that the other students were mistreating Janice by excluding her.
Therefore, based on these context clues, ostracized means “excluded from the group.”
Here’s another example:
Example 2
Look at this next sentence:
Louis’s teacher was offended because after she called on him he gave a flippant response instead of a serious answer.
If you did not know what the word flippant meant, you could look at the other words for clues to help you.
Here is what we know based on the clues in the sentence:
- Louis’s teacher was offended
- He gave a flippant response instead of a serious answer
We know that Louis said something that offended his teacher. Another keyword in this sentence is the word instead. This means that instead of a serious answer Louis gave the opposite of a serious answer.
Therefore, based on these context clues, flippant means “lacking respect or seriousness.”
Multiple Meaning Words
Sometimes when we read words in a text, we encounter words that have multiple meanings.
Multiple meaning words are words that have more than one definition or meaning.
For Example
- adj: happening or existing in the present time
Example: It is important to keep up with current events so you know what’s happening in the world. - noun: the continuous movement of a body of water or air in a
Example: The river’s current was strong as we paddled down the rapids. - noun: a flow of electricity
Example: The electrical current was very weak in the house.
Here are some other examples of words with multiple meanings:
| Multiple Meaning | Word Definition #1 | Definition #2 | Definition #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buckle | noun: a metal or plastic device that connects one end of a belt to another | verb: to fasten or attach | verb: to bend or collapse from pressure or heat |
| Cabinet | noun: a piece of furniture used for storing things | noun: a group of people who give advice to a government leader | – |
| Channel | noun: a radio or television station | noun: a system used for sending something | noun: a long, narrow place where water flows |
| Doctor | noun: a person skilled in the science of medicine, dentistry, or one holding a PhD | verb: to change something in a way to trick or deceive | verb: to give medical treatment |
| Grave | noun: a hole in the ground for burying a dead body | adj: very serious | – |
| Hamper | noun: a large basket used for holding dirty clothes | verb: to slow the movement, action, or progress of | – |
| Plane | noun: a mode of transportation that has wings and an engine and can carry people and things in the air | noun: a flat or level surface that extends outward | noun: a level of though, development, or existence |
| Reservation | noun: an agreement to have something (such as a table, room, or seat) held for use at a later time | noun: a feeling of uncertainty or doubt | noun: an area of land kept separate for Native Americans to live an area of land set aside for animals to live for protection |
| Season | noun: one of the four periods in which a year is divided (winter, spring, summer, and fall) | noun: a particular period of time during the year | verb: to add spices to something to give it more flavor |
| Sentence | noun: a group words that expresses a statement, question, command, or wish | noun: the punishment given to someone by a court of law | verb: to officially state the punishment given by a court of law |
From this chart you will notice that words with multiple meanings may have different parts of speech. A part of speech is a category of words that have the same grammatical properties. Some of the main parts of speech for words in the English language are: nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs.
| Part of Speech | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | a person, place, thing, or idea | Linda, New York City, toaster, happiness |
| Adjective | a word that describes a noun or pronoun | adventurous, young, red, intelligent |
| Verb | an action or state of being | run, is, sleep, become |
| Adverb | a word that describes a verb, adjective, or other adverb | quietly, extremely, carefully, well |
For example, in the chart above, season can be a noun or a verb.
Using Multiple Meaning Words Properly in Context
When you come across a multiple meaning word in a text, it is important to discern which meaning of the word is being used so you do not get confused.
You can once again turn to the context clues to clarify which meaning of the word is being used.
Let’s take a look at the word coach. This word has several definitions:
COACH:
- noun: a person who teaches and trains an athlete or performer
- noun: a large bus with comfortable seating used for long trips
- noun: the section on an airplane with the least expensive seats
- verb: to teach or train someone in a specific area
- verb: to give someone instructions on what to do or say in a certain situation
Since coach has so many definitions, you need to look at the context clues to figure out which definition of the word is being used:
The man was not happy that he had to sit in coach on the 24-hour flight to Australia.
In this sentence, the context clues sit in and 24-hour flight help you see that coach means the least expensive seat on an airplane.
Let’s look at another sentence using the word coach:
The lawyer needed to coach her witness so he would answer all the questions properly.
In this sentence, the context clues so he would answer all the questions properly help you see that the lawyer was giving the witness instructions on what to say.
Let’s Review!
- When you come across an unfamiliar word in a text you can use context clues to help you define it.
- Context clues can also help you determine which definition of a multiple meaning word to use.
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