Key Takeaways
- Context clues include definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and examples within the text
- Signal words like "or," "unlike," "such as," and "means" indicate context clues
- Word parts (prefixes, roots, suffixes) help decode unfamiliar words
- Hyper- means excessive/high; hypo- means under/low; -itis means inflammation
- Connotation (implied meaning) can be positive, negative, or neutral beyond the literal definition
Vocabulary in Context
The TEAS tests your ability to determine word meanings using context clues. This skill is essential for understanding unfamiliar terms in medical and academic texts.
Types of Context Clues
| Clue Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Word defined directly in sentence | The prognosis, or predicted outcome, was favorable. |
| Synonym | Similar word provided | She was lethargic, tired and lacking energy. |
| Antonym | Opposite word provided | Unlike his verbose colleague, he was brief. |
| Example | Examples clarify meaning | Analgesics such as aspirin and ibuprofen relieve pain. |
| Inference | Meaning implied by context | After not eating for days, the patient was famished. |
Signal Words for Context Clues
| Clue Type | Signal Words |
|---|---|
| Definition | is, means, refers to, is defined as |
| Synonym | also, or, in other words, that is |
| Antonym | but, however, unlike, although, whereas |
| Example | such as, for example, including, like |
| Cause/Effect | because, therefore, as a result, since |
Strategies for Unknown Words
1. Read the Entire Sentence Don't stop at the unknown word—context often comes after.
2. Look for Clue Words Signal words point to definitions, synonyms, or antonyms.
3. Consider Word Parts
- Prefixes (un-, pre-, anti-)
- Roots (cardi-, derm-, neuro-)
- Suffixes (-itis, -ology, -ectomy)
4. Substitute Your Guess Replace the unknown word with your guess—does the sentence still make sense?
5. Eliminate Wrong Answers If multiple choice, cross out options that don't fit the context.
Common Prefixes
| Prefix | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| anti- | against | antibiotic, antiseptic |
| bi- | two | bilateral, biceps |
| de- | remove, down | decrease, dehydrate |
| hyper- | excessive | hypertension, hyperactive |
| hypo- | under, below | hypotension, hypothermia |
| mis- | wrong | misdiagnose, misinterpret |
| post- | after | postoperative, postpartum |
| pre- | before | prenatal, preoperative |
| re- | again | recurrence, readmit |
| un- | not | uncomfortable, unusual |
Common Suffixes
| Suffix | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| -able/-ible | capable of | treatable, reversible |
| -al/-ial | relating to | surgical, arterial |
| -ectomy | surgical removal | appendectomy, mastectomy |
| -itis | inflammation | arthritis, bronchitis |
| -ology | study of | cardiology, neurology |
| -osis | condition | diagnosis, thrombosis |
| -pathy | disease | neuropathy, cardiopathy |
Common Roots
| Root | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| cardi/o | heart | cardiac, cardiologist |
| derm/a | skin | dermatology, epidermis |
| gastr/o | stomach | gastric, gastroenterology |
| hem/o | blood | hemorrhage, hemoglobin |
| hepat/o | liver | hepatitis, hepatic |
| neur/o | nerve | neurology, neuron |
| pulmon/o | lung | pulmonary, pulmonologist |
| ren/o | kidney | renal, adrenal |
Connotation vs. Denotation
Denotation: Dictionary definition Connotation: Emotional or implied meaning
| Word | Denotation | Connotation |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap | Low cost | Negative (poor quality) |
| Affordable | Low cost | Positive (good value) |
| Slender | Thin | Positive (attractive) |
| Skinny | Thin | Negative (too thin) |
| Assertive | Confident | Positive (leadership) |
| Aggressive | Forceful | Negative (hostile) |
Practice with Context
Example: "The patient's edema, the swelling in her ankles, had decreased after treatment."
Analysis:
- Clue type: Definition
- Signal: "the swelling"
- Meaning: Edema = swelling
Example: "Unlike his garrulous roommate, John was quiet and reserved."
Analysis:
- Clue type: Antonym
- Signal: "Unlike" and "quiet"
- Meaning: Garrulous = talkative (opposite of quiet)
"The *benevolent* donor gave generously to the hospital, providing funds for new equipment." What does "benevolent" most likely mean?
Based on its word parts, what does "hypertension" mean?
"The nurse was *meticulous* about handwashing, carefully following every step of the protocol." What context clue type is used?