1. Test our definition.
When we think, we have determined the meaning of an unfamiliar word from the context, substitute our definition in the sentence. Whether it makes sense or not, if so, then we have probably figured out its meaning. If it does not, then it is back to the drawing board.
2. Some “context clues” can be misleading.
One of the five clues described earlier will usually help us determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word. However, context clues do not always provide perfect clues to a word’s meaning. A sentence may appear to contain context clues when, in fact, it does not. These false “clues” can be misleading. Read this sentence, for example, and try to deduce the meaning of bridled:
“The actress bridled at the idea that all women should be married by the time they are 30.” Bridled may sound as if it has something to do with brides or that the woman decided to get married because she was approaching the age of 30. However, bridled means to take offense or to be offended by something: the actress was offended by the idea that all women should be married by the age of 30.
3. Context clues may not always be complete.
Sometimes there are not sufficient context clues in a sentence to allow us to figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word. It needs more time and more high critical thinking. Sometime it will be difficult to be solved.
4. Be sure that we understand the definition or synonym given in the sentence.
Even if we locate a definition or a synonym for an unfamiliar word, it does not mean that we will automatically understand it. Suppose that we read the sentence, “Isotonic movements consist of concentric and eccentric muscle contractions.” It is simple to find the definition of isotonic movements: it is the rest of the sentence. However, unless we know the definition of concentric and eccentric as they are used in that sentence, we cannot understand what isotonic movements are. Sometimes, folks, we just have to go to the old dictionary.
5. If context clues prove inadequat
We should use other ways to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word or term. If there are no context clues or if the context clues are insufficient, we should pursue the meaning of the term until we understand it. If we need to go to the dictionary, do it. If we need to look up an unfamiliar word that appears in the dictionary definition, do that too. Look in the glossary in the back of our textbook. Ask someone knowledgeable. In short, do whatever you need to do to find out the meaning of the word. Then write down both the word and its definition. That is the way we learn and remember important words and terms.