Why is context crucial for understanding vocabulary in reading?

Context is crucial for understanding vocabulary because it allows readers to infer meanings using clues within the text. When readers encounter unfamiliar words, the surrounding sentences, paragraphs, or even the overall theme of the text can provide important hints about the meaning of those words. Contextual clues can be found in several forms such as examples, antonyms, or descriptions that surround the word in question, leading to a more comprehensive understanding.

Being able to decode the meaning of a word based on its context not only enhances vocabulary acquisition but also improves comprehension of the entire text. This is especially important for young readers who are still building their vocabulary and understanding of language nuances. Relying solely on a word’s definition might not provide the same depth of understanding as discovering how it functions within the greater context, where its specific meaning may shift based on the sentences around it.