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Why This Matters for Nursing: Medical terminology is full of unfamiliar words. You won't always have time to look up definitions—context clues help you understand terms quickly and keep up with fast-paced healthcare communication.
Context clues are hints in the surrounding text that help you figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
| Type | How It Works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Meaning directly stated | "Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects millions." |
| Synonym | Similar word nearby | "The patient was lethargic and tired all day." |
| Antonym | Opposite word nearby | "Unlike her agitated roommate, she remained calm." |
| Example | Examples illustrate meaning | "Analgesics such as aspirin and ibuprofen reduce pain." |
| Explanation | Sentence explains the word | "She had tachycardia; her heart rate was over 100 bpm." |
| Inference | Meaning implied by situation | "After running, he was dyspneic and gasping for air." |
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