Question

determine the meaning of words and phrases by using knowledge of etymology
determine the meaning of words and phrases by using knowledge of word derivations
use context clues to determine a word or phrase's meaning

Answer 1

By analyzing the roots or origins of words, one can gain insight into their meanings. For example, the word "telephone" comes from the Greek words "tele" (far off) and "phone" (sound), indicating its function of transmitting sound over long distances. Similarly, the word "biology" is derived from the Greek words "bios" (life) and "logos" (study), revealing that it is the study of living organisms.

Context clues refer to the information surrounding a particular word or phrase that can help the reader infer its meaning. This may include the tone of the passage, surrounding words, or the overall subject matter. For instance, if a sentence describes someone as "ebullient and effervescent," the positive connotations of these words could indicate that the person is cheerful and energetic. By examining the context in which a word is used, one can often deduce its meaning even if they are unfamiliar with the word itself.