How can context clues assist in understanding vocabulary?

Context clues are instrumental in understanding vocabulary because they offer hints about the meaning of a word within the surrounding text. When reading, a reader often encounters unfamiliar words, and the surrounding sentences or phrases can provide insights that help decipher the word's meaning. This could be through synonyms, antonyms, explanations, or even examples presented nearby. For instance, if a sentence describes something as "unpleasant and irritating," a reader can infer that a "nuisance" likely has a negative connotation.

While understanding historical background or word usability can be valuable, these aspects do not directly aid in the immediate comprehension of vocabulary as context clues do. Similarly, focusing solely on examples of similar words does not provide the full understanding that context clues can convey about a new term within its specific use. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the primary function of context clues in enhancing vocabulary understanding through the immediate text surrounding the unfamiliar word.