Context Clues: The Antonym Clue

Use a contrasting word with the opposite meaning to figure out an unknown word.

An antonym clue gives you a word with the OPPOSITE meaning. If you know the opposite, you can figure out the new word. Watch for contrast signals: 'but', 'however', 'unlike', 'although', 'instead', and 'on the other hand'. Read: 'Unlike his talkative sister, Omar was quite reticent and rarely spoke in class.

' 'Unlike' tells you Omar is the opposite of talkative, so reticent means quiet and not sharing much. Another: 'The first bridge was sturdy, but the second one was flimsy and swayed in the wind. ' 'But' sets up a contrast with sturdy, so flimsy means weak. Find the contrast word, then flip the meaning of the familiar word.

• 1An antonym clue shows the opposite meaning.
• 2Signals: but, however, unlike, although, instead.
• 3Flip the meaning of the familiar word.