Looking at the words surrounding an unknown word to determine its meaning is an example of using _____.

Using the words surrounding an unknown word to determine its meaning is an example of using context clues. Context clues are hints found within a sentence or paragraph that help readers infer the meaning of unfamiliar words. By analyzing the surrounding text, readers can gather information about the unknown word's definition, function, or nuance, which aids in comprehension.

In practice, context clues might include definitions, examples, or antonyms within the adjacent text that illuminate how the unknown word relates to the overall message. For instance, if a sentence includes the word "gregarious" and states that "she loves to be surrounded by friends and often attends parties," the context suggests that "gregarious" refers to someone who is sociable or outgoing.

The other options, while related to language usage, do not specifically address the method of deriving meaning from surrounding words. Word association refers to connecting words based on meanings or experiences rather than textual context. Synonyms involve using words with similar meanings but do not focus on the surrounding text for understanding. Word structure pertains to breaking down a word into its component morphemes (prefixes, roots, and suffixes) to infer meaning, rather than relying on the context provided by the surrounding text.