Comparisons
Clues to meanings of unfamiliar words or phrases are sometimes found in the context of a comparison. When the information given in the comparison is familiar to you, your common sense will guide your understanding. (However, when the information is also unfamiliar, you will need to use other resources such as a dictionary, an instructor or friend, or continued reading.) A comparison will usually, though not always, be introduced by a signal word or phrase.
Signals that alert you to a comparison include as, as ______________ as, like, just as, and similar to. Can you think of any others? Examine the following example.
"Never!" the speaker rasped, sounding similar to the filing of fingernails.
Fingernail filing creates a scraping or harsh rubbing sound. In this example, rasp means "make a rough, harsh sound." (By the way, the noun rasp is a tool for filing or grating. The verb rasp means to make that sound.)
WHAT DO YOU KNOW?
Try the next two yourself. Circle the letter next to the answer that best defines the italicized word. Use common sense and the context clues of comparison to help you decide. Underline the signal that tells you to watch for a comparison.
| 1 |
He made his wishes as explicit as large handwriting on a wall.
(a) unrealistic
(b) obvious
(c) quietly
(d) sweet
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A1:
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Large handwriting is very obvious; explicit means "obvious." The signal is as ________________ as.
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| 2 |
Like a banker weighing gold, she measured the shelves with great precision.
(a) exactness
(b) pleasure
(c) rulers
(d) height
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A2:
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A banker weighs gold very carefully, exactly. Precision means "exactness." The signal is like ________________.
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You may occasionally find a comparison introduced by the phrase not unlike or no different than/from.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW?
In the following examples, circle the letter next to the answer that best defines the italicized word. Use common sense and the context clues of comparison to help you decide. Underline the signal that tells you to watch for a comparison.
| 1 |
The confrontation between the two managers during the panel presentation seemed no different than a fight between spoiled ten-year-olds.
(a) breakfast
(b) discussion
(c) argument
(d) table
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A1:
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This sentence compares a confrontation to a fight; the best answer is argument. The signal words are no different than.
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| 2 |
Not unlike bargaining at an outdoor market, the negotiating required some give and take on both sides.
(a) charity
(b) bargaining
(c) changescharity
(d) relaybargaining
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A2:
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This sentence compares negotiating to bargaining; the best answer is bargaining. The signal words are not unlike.
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