Meaning without the dictionary

Sometimes when you read, you may not know the meaning of certain words. The first thing that comes to mind is to check the dictionary. That is good, but not in all cases. There are problems with that method. You may not have a dictionary nearby. For instance, if you were reading a story in a moving bus or car, you are not likely to have a dictionary around. You need another way of getting at the meaning of certain words you come across.

Even If you have a dictionary beside you when reading, you would not enjoy what you are reading, if you have to stop at each new word to check the dictionary for meaning. Some words have about 3,4,5 or more meanings. By the time you check each of the meanings to know the one that fits into the passage you are reading, you may not remember some ideas just mentioned before you started searching. This spoils the joy of reading. What then are the ways of getting the meaning of words, apart from the dictionary?

First, study the words or sentences before and after the words. They sometimes suggest the meaning of the word or expression you are looking for. For example,

  The lady lifted her hand to wipe away fresh tears and exposed her bracelet. It was a circle of thick gold links- too heavy for her fragile wrist. 

Suppose you don't know the meaning of 'bracelet'. You don't need a dictionary. Three expressions in the next sentence suggest the meaning. The word 'it' show that 'bracelet' is not a living thing. It must be an object. Next, the expression 'a circle' show that a bracelet must be a round object. Also, 'her fragile wrist' suggests that a bracelet is worn around the wrist. Therefore a bracelet must be a circular object worn around the wrist.

This idea is enough to make you understand and enjoy what you are reading. You may later check the dictionary meaning after you have finished reading.