How can context clues help you understand a word?

Context clues are hints or information found in the surrounding text that help readers infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word. When a reader encounters a new word, they can look at the sentences before and after it to find clues that indicate what the word might mean. These clues can come in various forms, such as synonyms, antonyms, or descriptive phrases that offer insight into the meaning.

For example, if the surrounding text describes an animal as "swift and agile," and then introduces the word "leopard," the reader can infer that the word refers to a fast, nimble creature based on the provided context. This method of deducing meaning allows readers to enhance their vocabulary and comprehension skills without having to rely solely on definitions from a dictionary or glossary.

The other options may offer ways of understanding words but do not specifically highlight the role of surrounding text in revealing meaning. Definitions from a glossary give direct meanings, examples of similar words may suggest meanings but do not directly provide context, and rewriting the word in simpler terms doesn't provide the nuanced understanding that context clues can. Thus, the most effective way to determine the meaning of a word in a specific passage is through context clues found in the surrounding text.