What is "when you are reading and come to an unknown word?

When encountering an unknown word while reading, here's a breakdown of helpful strategies:

  • Context Clues: The surrounding words, sentences, and paragraphs often provide hints about the unfamiliar word's meaning. Look for synonyms, antonyms, examples, or definitions within the passage. This is your first and often most readily available resource. Check out the usage of Context%20Clues.

  • Word Parts: Break the word down into its component parts: prefix, root, and suffix. Understanding the meanings of these parts can often unlock the meaning of the whole word. For example, "unbreakable" can be understood by knowing the meanings of "un-", "break," and "-able." Check out the usage of Word%20Parts.

  • Look it Up: If context clues and word part analysis fail, consult a Dictionary. Online dictionaries are often the most convenient. Pay attention to multiple definitions, parts of speech, and etymology (the word's origin).

  • Glossary: If the reading material has a glossary, use it. A Glossary will be especially helpful if the word is technical or specific to the subject matter.

  • Make a Guess (Inferred Meaning): Based on all available evidence, make an educated guess about the word's meaning. Even if the guess isn't perfectly accurate, it can help you continue reading and understand the overall message. Focus on the Inferred%20Meaning.

  • Keep a Vocabulary Log: Write down the unknown word and its definition in a notebook or digital document. Reviewing these entries periodically will help expand your vocabulary. Maintaining a Vocabulary%20Log is a good habit to have.

  • Don't Stop Reading Immediately: Sometimes, the meaning of an unknown word will become clear later in the text. Try to understand from the whole context, not only at that exact place.