Context clues are integral to how we make sense of things. But what are context clues? And why are context clues important? We’re going to break down context clues in sentences and situations so that you can see why they’re such an important element of empiricism; or how we come to know the world through senses. Hah! That’s an example of “context clues” in action. Follow along as we break down strategies for how they work.
Context Clues Meaning
First, let’s define context clues
How do we make sense of the world? Through intuition certainly, but through context as well. Context is how we know books can be found in libraries and cold cuts can be found in delis. It’s also how we know words can be understood, even if we lack their definition.
CONTEXT CLUES DEFINITION
What are context clues?
Context clues are elements of grammatical and visual composition that suggest meaning. In syntax, context clues give readers the ability to make sense of words of which they don’t know the meaning. In semiotics, context clues give people the ability to make sense of signs of which they don’t know the meaning.
Purpose of Context Clues:
- Suggest meaning
- Conceal meaning
- Explain meaning
Context Clues Types
What are context clues in grammar?
There are a bunch of different strategies for using context clues in grammar; let’s break down a few!
Synonym
A synonym is a word or phrase that means something similar to another word or phrase. For example, “sick” and “ill” are synonyms. But how do you use context clues in a sentence? Synonyms are also used as context clues to suggest meaning in words that aren’t often understood.
Here are some examples:
- She was a callous woman: mean, malicious, and inconsiderate.
- It was mezzanotte – the clock struck the signal to midnight.
- He was cantankerous: angry and always looking for a fight.
You may be wondering, “why don’t writers just use words that most people understand?” Good question. There’s certainly merit to writing in simple language – but writers want to flex their linguistic muscle.
Antonym
An antonym is a word or phrase that means the opposite of another word or phrase. For example, “sick” and “healthy” are antonyms.
Antonyms, like synonyms, are also used as context clues to suggest meaning in words that aren’t often understood.
Here are some examples:
- It was a brutish afternoon, quite unlike the sunny ones the week prior.
- He found the latter lecture esoteric – but the former too simplistic; something anybody could understand.
- The scene was bedlam, ironic considering it was supposed to be quiet and serene.
Antonyms tend to flow better than synonyms in syntax because they rely on contrast.
Denotation
A denotation is a “dictionary definition.” For example, a denotation of “hat” would be a “clothing item worn on the head.”
Denotations are used as context clues to outwardly explain what certain words mean.
Here are a few examples:
- He had already signed an affidavit, a legal written statement for use in court.
- It was accidental, as in “not done on purpose.”
- The story was salacious, showing a special interest in sex.
Denotations work best when writers would rather tell the writer what a word means rather than suggesting it.
Context Clues Definition in Visual Language
What are context clues in semiotics?
Context clues are used in semiotics to give meaning to the visual world. But what is semiotics? Semiotics is the study of objects and signs. It’s essentially what tells us that a four-leaf clover means “good luck.” However, semiotics is often built through context clues.
Here are some examples:
Context clues lead to a conclusion
In life, sometimes things are exactly what you’d expect. For example, say you leave your rambunctious dog home alone for six hours, then find a ripped-up pillow when you return; it’s fair to say that the dog probably destroyed the pillow.
The context clues, i.e., the “rambunctious” nature of the dog and the implied fact that dogs sometimes rip pillows apart when, tell us that the most likely reason for the event is that the dog destroyed the pillow.
This type of critical reasoning is abductive because it “takes away” the most likely reason for an event based on a series of observations.
Consequently, deductive reasoning is a form of critical reasoning in which a reason must be guaranteed by the set of observations. For example: if a hat is a clothing item worn on a head, and you’re wearing a clothing item on your head, then you’re wearing a hat. The context clues, i.e., the denotation of “hat” and the fact that you’re wearing something that matches the denotation of “hat,” guarantee the validity.
This strategy is used in writing… most commonly in mystery stories. Think about any “whodunnit” story; i.e., Sherlock Holmes, Murder on the Orient Express, Scooby Doo, etc.
Context clues lead to a false-conclusion
Other times, context clues lead to a false-conclusion. They may be valid as premises in a deduction; but they don’t necessarily reflect the truth. We see this strategy used a lot in comedy writing.
This scene from Seinfeld establishes a series of context clues that point to Kramer (Michael Richards) being a pimp. Of course, he’s not – but the characters in the diegesis don’t know that. Check it out below!
Context Clues Definition in TV • Context Clues Examples in Seinfeld
Let’s break down the context clues:
1) The jacket is a replica of the “technicolor dreamcoat” from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; one of Kramer’s favorite plays.
2) The cane is an item Elaine was reviewing for work; which Kramer took.
3) The hat merely landed before Kramer’s feet, so he decided to put it on.
4) The sports car is borrowed as collateral because Kramer’s car was taken from a parking lot used for prostitution.
All of these context clues point to Kramer being a pimp. In a cruel twist of irony, Kramer is whisked, or quickly taken away, to jail.
Up Next
What is Inductive Reasoning?
Context clues are a small, but integral part of critical reasoning. Want to learn more about critical reasoning? Check out our next article on inductive reasoning, where we break down the term with examples from Plato, Monty Python, and more. By the end, you’ll know what inductive reasoning is and how to use it.
