Lesson 4: Vocabulary

Contextual meanings: Contextual clues are hints or pieces of information found in the surrounding text that help readers understand the meaning of unfamiliar words or concepts. These clues can come from various aspects of the text, including the surrounding sentences, paragraphs, or even the overall theme of the material.

Type of Clue	Description	Example Sentence	What it Shows
Definition	Directly defines the word	“The professor’s lectures were always very lucid…”	Lucid means clear and understandable.
Synonym	Provides a similar word or phrase	“She was elated after receiving the news…”	Elated means overjoyed.
Antonym	Shows the opposite of the word	“Unlike the previous calm and serene environment…”	Serene means calm and peaceful.
Example	Gives examples to explain the word	“He had several detractors in the political field…”	Detractors are critics.
Inference	Implies meaning through context	“She spoke in a tone of exasperation…”	Exasperation means frustration.
Comparison	Compares to clarify meaning	“The garden was a veritable jungle…”	Veritable means truly like a jungle.
Contrast	Shows how the word differs from another term	“He was known for his affable demeanor…”	Affable means friendly.
Explanation	Describes or explains the word	“The artist’s work was full of surreal elements…”	Surreal means dreamlike and bizarre.
Situational Context	Uses the situation to help define the word	“He gave a long speech at the retirement party…”	Homilies are moral teachings or reflections.