What are "context clues" primarily used for in reading comprehension?

Context clues are primarily used to deduce the meanings of unknown words. When readers encounter unfamiliar words, they can look at the words and sentences surrounding that unknown term to gather hints about its meaning. This can include examining synonyms, antonyms, or explanations that the author might provide nearby. Utilizing context clues allows readers to improve their understanding of the text as a whole, facilitating comprehension without the need for external resources such as a dictionary.

By focusing on the surrounding text, readers engage more deeply with the material, which not only aids in determining the meaning of specific words but also enhances overall reading skills by promoting strategies that are useful across various texts.