Determining the Meaning of Renown

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 141 views

Uncovering the Meaning of Renown: A Closer Look at Context Clues

When reading a text, it's not uncommon to come across unfamiliar words that can leave us wondering about their meaning. In the context of the book "Heroes Every Child Should Know: Perseus," we're tasked with finding the word "renown" in paragraph 4 and determining its meaning using context clues. In this article, we'll delve into the world of vocabulary and explore how to use surrounding sentences and the sentence itself to uncover the definition of "renown."

Before we dive into the text, let's first understand what context clues are. Context clues are hints or cues within a sentence or paragraph that can help us determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word. These clues can come in various forms, such as:

Synonyms: Words that have similar meanings to the unfamiliar word.
Antonyms: Words that have opposite meanings to the unfamiliar word.
Associations: Words or phrases that are related to the unfamiliar word.
Definitions: Words or phrases that explicitly define the unfamiliar word.

The Text: "Heroes Every Child Should Know: Perseus"

Let's take a look at paragraph 4 of "Heroes Every Child Should Know: Perseus" and find the word "renown":

"...And so, with the help of Athena, Perseus was able to behead the snake-haired Medusa, and his renown as a hero spread far and wide."

Analyzing the Sentence

Now that we've found the word "renown," let's analyze the sentence to determine its meaning. The sentence states that Perseus' "renown as a hero spread far and wide." This gives us a few clues about the meaning of "renown":

Association: The word "hero" is associated with "renown," suggesting that "renown" is related to being a hero or having a positive reputation.
Definition: The phrase "spread far and wide" implies that "renown" is something that is recognized or known by many people.

Determining the Meaning of Renown

Based on the context clues in the sentence, we can infer that "renown" means:

Fame: Renown refers to the state of being famous or well-known for something, in this case, being a hero.
Reputation: Renown also implies a positive reputation or a good name, which is why Perseus' renown as a hero is spread far and wide.

In conclusion, by using context clues in the surrounding sentences and the sentence itself, we were able to determine the meaning of the word "renown." We found that "renown" refers to fame or a positive reputation, and is often associated with being a hero or having a good name. This exercise demonstrates the importance of paying attention to context clues when reading and learning new words.

What are some other words that are associated with "renown"?
Can you think of a time when you heard someone being referred to as a hero or having a positive reputation?
How can you use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words in your own reading and learning?

For more information on context clues, check out the following resources:

Renown: Fame or a positive reputation, often associated with being a hero or having a good name.

When reading a text, pay attention to context clues that can help you determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Use associations, synonyms, antonyms, and definitions to help you understand the meaning of a word.
Practice using context clues to determine the meaning of words in your own reading and learning.
Q&A: Uncovering the Meaning of Renown

In our previous article, we explored the meaning of the word "renown" using context clues from the text "Heroes Every Child Should Know: Perseus." We discovered that "renown" refers to fame or a positive reputation, often associated with being a hero or having a good name. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about the word "renown" and provide additional insights into its meaning and usage.

Q: What is the difference between "renown" and "fame"?

A: While both "renown" and "fame" refer to a positive reputation or recognition, "renown" often implies a more lasting or enduring quality. For example, a person may be famous for a short period, but their renown as a hero or a leader can last for centuries.

Q: Can "renown" be used to describe a negative reputation?

A: While "renown" typically implies a positive reputation, it's not impossible to use it to describe a negative reputation. For example, a person may be renowned for their cruelty or ruthlessness. However, this usage is less common and may be considered more nuanced or ironic.

Q: How can I use "renown" in a sentence?

A: Here are a few examples:

"The ancient city was renowned for its beautiful architecture and stunning natural surroundings."
"The famous scientist was renowned for her groundbreaking research in the field of medicine."
"The company's new product was renowned for its innovative design and exceptional quality."

Q: Can "renown" be used as a verb?

A: While "renown" is typically used as a noun, it can also be used as a verb in certain contexts. For example:

"The company's new product will be renowned for its innovative design and exceptional quality."
"The scientist's work will be renowned for its groundbreaking research in the field of medicine."

Q: What are some synonyms for "renown"?

A: Some synonyms for "renown" include:

Fame
Glory
Honor
Prestige
Reputation

Q: What are some antonyms for "renown"?

A: Some antonyms for "renown" include:

Infamy
Shame
Disrepute
Dishonor
Obscurity

In conclusion, "renown" is a word that refers to fame or a positive reputation, often associated with being a hero or having a good name. While it can be used to describe a negative reputation in certain contexts, its typical usage implies a lasting or enduring quality. We hope this Q&A article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the word "renown" and its usage in different contexts.

Can you think of a time when you heard someone being referred to as renowned for something?
How can you use "renown" in a sentence to describe a positive reputation or recognition?
What are some other words that are associated with "renown"?

For more information on the word "renown," check out the following resources:

Renown: Fame or a positive reputation, often associated with being a hero or having a good name.

When reading a text, pay attention to context clues that can help you determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Use associations, synonyms, antonyms, and definitions to help you understand the meaning of a word.
Practice using context clues to determine the meaning of words in your own reading and learning.