What is the significance of "context clues" in reading comprehension?

Context clues are significant in reading comprehension because they offer hints for unfamiliar words, allowing readers to deduce meaning based on the surrounding text. When a reader encounters a word they do not know, context clues can take various forms, such as synonyms, antonyms, definitions, or examples provided in nearby sentences. This strategy helps readers to confidently infer meanings without constantly consulting a dictionary, enhancing overall understanding of the text. By using context clues, readers are equipped to engage more deeply with the material and extract meaning even when they face challenging vocabulary, ultimately contributing to better comprehension of the overall content.