What role does context play in deciphering word meanings?

Context plays a crucial role in helping readers decipher word meanings by offering clues that guide understanding. When encountering an unfamiliar word, the surrounding sentences, phrases, and overall themes provide insights into how that word is used in a specific situation. This situational information can indicate whether a word has a positive, negative, or neutral connotation and helps clarify its intended meaning in that context.

For example, if the word "bark" is found in a sentence discussing trees, the context implies a meaning related to the outer covering of a tree rather than the sound made by a dog. Thus, context serves as a critical tool in interpretation, leading to clearer comprehension and application of vocabulary in reading.