Word Meaning

3 types of skills1. Unfamiliar and uncommon

words and phrases2. Words with multiple meanings3. Figurative expressions

Skill #1:Unfamiliar

and uncommon

words and phrases

What do you do when you are reading and run into a word you don’t know?

There is no dictionary and there is no assistance….what do I do?

Use context clues words or sentences surrounding

the mystery word that assist you in determining its meaning

1. Context Clues Guidelines After the word –some clues directly

follow the unfamiliar word.

Example: The trek, or journey, became more challenging as we approached the top of the mountain.

2. Context Clue Guideline Authors often use punctuation clues to

help the reader. Punctuation clues might include commas, dashes, or parentheses.

Example: In order to keep the dogs inside the yard, we built a parapet, a low wall or railing.

3. Context Clue Guideline In the previous sentence.

Example: Everyone at the dinner table cleaned their plates and asked for seconds. As the guests left, they said the dinner was delectable.

4. Context Clue Guideline In the next sentence

Example: Jake left the waitress a paltry tip. She forgot to give them glasses of water, brought out cold food, and never checked on them, so she deserved a small tip.

5. Context Clue Guideline By asking yourself if the word sounds

positive or negative.

Example: The evil queen cast a sinister glare at the elf when he asked her a question. (evil=negative)

6. Context Clue Guideline By figuring out the word’s part of

speech, such as a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb.

Example: He guzzled water rapidly after the race.

(Guzzled is a verb. He did something to the water.)

7. Context Clue Guideline The context clue may be a synonym

(words with almost the same meaning) or an antonym (words opposite in meaning) for the unfamiliar word.

Examples: Reducing cholesterol has a number of beneficial results. One positive outcome is reducing the risk of heart disease. (synonym clue)

I despise liver, but I adore steak. (antonym clue)

8. Context Clue Guideline By using word structure, that is studying

the unfamiliar word’s prefix, suffix, or root word and using the meanings to figure out the definition of the word.

Example: I’m tired of his infantile behavior. When will he ever grow up?

(note the word infant within the word)

9. Context Clue Guideline By using your knowledge of the Spanish

language and recognizing Latin root words.

Example: He’s looking very pensive. I wonder what he’s up to?

(Pensive, as in pensativo)Example: I have a serious dilemma. What

should I do? (dilemma, as in dilema)

Example:1. Which of the following is the best

meaning of the word restively as used in the paragraph?

A. anxiouslyB. sleepilyC. happily

1. Which of the following is the best meaning of the word restively as used in the paragraph?A. anxiouslyB. quietlyC. happily

Jason listened carefully. The horses neighed restively in their stalls. The henhouse practically shook with the birds’ anxious squawking. Drummer, the puppy, barked uneasily at Jason’s heels. All the animals seemed to sense that something was about to happen. Then, suddenly, the ranch was as quiescent as a deserted battlefield.

Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.

Skill #2:What is a Multiple Meaning word? A word with more than one meaning. Examples:

shape fish shot flag top fine pay

cross

Always make sure to check how the word is being Always make sure to check how the word is being used used IN THE SELECTION!IN THE SELECTION!

HOW MANY MULTIPLE MEANING WORDS CAN YOU LIST?

ExampleWhich of the following best defines the

word model as it is used in the last paragraph of the selection?

A. an artist's subjectB. a small copy of an objectC. a plan to be imitated

 Durkheim's rigorous research methods captured the attention of sociologists around the world, and were perhaps even more important to the future development of sociology than any specific research results could be. Within a short time, his specific approach to formulating and testing social theory became a model that guided the work of nearly all sociologists. This assured Emile Durkheim a lasting place as one of the key figures in the history of sociology.

Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.

A. an artist's subject

B. a small copy of an object

C. a plan to be imitated

WITH MULTIPLE MEANING WORDS, ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO CHECK HOW THE WORD IS BEING USED IN THE SELECTION!

Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.

SKILL #3:FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Watch out!

The author says one thing but means another!

•He’s as stubborn as a mule.•She’s going to kill me if she finds out.•Money talks.•This backpack weighs a ton•We walked forever.We walked forever.•I’m starvingI’m starving

ExampleExample

1.1. In the selection, the writer uses the phrase the In the selection, the writer uses the phrase the round-cheeked maidenround-cheeked maiden to refer to: to refer to:

A.A. a clouda cloudB.B. the windthe windC.C. a young womana young womanD.D. the sunthe sun

Example1. In the selection, the writer uses the phrase

the round-cheeked maiden to refer to:A. a cloudB. the windC. a young womanD. the sun

The fiery ball sank lower and lower in the sky. For a The fiery ball sank lower and lower in the sky. For a moment, it was a strangemoment, it was a strange, , round cheeked maidenround cheeked maiden with brilliant curly locks blowing out behind her in the with brilliant curly locks blowing out behind her in the wind. She floated, suspended above the rippled wind. She floated, suspended above the rippled carpet of clouds, then silently slipped from sight.carpet of clouds, then silently slipped from sight.

Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.

Remember to check all of your word meaning answers…. By replacing the unfamiliar word with a

“prediction” word to see if it fits or makes sense. “Try it on”

Example: He acted like a buffoon at the party by telling jokes and laughing too loudly and too often.

(prediction word: fool)