Definition

The word may be explained in a sentence, the preceding sentence, or the following sentence. The ________ may connect the known word to a known word.

Example: The *nucleus* is very important because it is the center of the atom.

Synonym

The word is associated with another word that means the same thing.

Example: The car came to a sudden stop. The *abrupt* halt sent her drink flying.

Summary

The word may be preceded or followed by its description.

Example: Maria *preservers*; she stays with her job and follows it through to the end because she is hard working and thorough.

Simile or Metaphor

The word may be explained by a comparison (direct or implied).

Example: The man's voice *droned* on and on; he sounded like a hive of bees.

Example

The word may be explained by _____.

i.e.: Mark was an *altruistic* person. For instance, he donated money to his local public school without asking for credit or anything in return.

Cause and Effect

When an unfamiliar word appears as part of the cause of an action, a clue to the word's meaning can be found in the ______. Some words that signal _____ and ______ relationships are caused, because, since, consequently, therefore, when, and as a result.

Example: The soccer team was *disconsolate* after losing a close match and narrowly missing a chance to clinch the division title.

Appositive

The word may be explained by an __________, which is equivalent information enclosed commas.

Example: *Etymology*, the study of word origins, can help us understand word meaning and structure.

Antonym

The word may be explained by a contrast with the opposite.

Example: Some parts of the river are *shallow*, but some are quite deep.

Groupings

The word may appear in a series of familiar words of the same category.

Example: While on vacation, she sampled mangos, kiwis, bananas, and *cumquats*.