Review: Your Word Detective Tools

You now have many tools for new words. You can look for context clues and examples. You can split compound words. You can find base words, prefixes like un- and re-, and suffixes like -ful and -less.

You can think of synonyms, antonyms, and shades of meaning. Read: 'After the storm, the sailor was hopeless until a seagull led him back to the harbor, where people were joyful to see him. ' Seagull is a compound. Hopeless is hope plus without.

Joyful is full of joy. Harbor is a place for boats, and the clue is 'sailor'. Use the tool that fits!

• 1Context clues, compounds, and word parts all help.
• 2Synonyms and antonyms help you check meaning.
• 3Pick the tool that fits the word.